In a significant blow to Marseille fans, manager Roberto De Zerbi has officially confirmed that key players Geoffrey Kondogbia and Junior Hamad Traoré will not make the trip to face Racing Club de Strasbourg this Friday. This announcement comes just days after Marseille’s thrilling 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Vélodrome, a win that ignited hope and excitement for the season ahead.
During a pre-match press conference, De Zerbi stated, “Apart from Kondogbia and Traoré, all the players in the squad will be available this Friday against Strasbourg.” This news, while reassuring for some, casts a shadow over the squad’s depth as they prepare for a challenging encounter.
De Zerbi is acutely aware of the formidable challenge posed by Strasbourg, who have historically troubled Marseille. Reflecting on past encounters, he commented, “I remember those matches well, especially the one in Strasbourg where we were euphoric after our victory in Lyon. We fell.” His words serve as a stark reminder that complacency can be a team’s worst enemy, particularly after a significant win.
The Italian coach highlighted the quality of his opponents, emphasizing, “After PSG, the first thought is that Strasbourg has good players, young players who run and are well organised. They are not randomly selected players. They are young and have significant economic value.” This acknowledgment underscores the tactical complexity that awaits Marseille, as they face a side that has proven to be resilient and competitive.
As the spotlight intensifies on Marseille following their recent success, De Zerbi stressed the importance of managing expectations. “It’s a difficult match. On Friday, there will be even more expectation with the spotlight on us. When you want to do well and you beat PSG, it’s normal to feel the pressure.” His insight into the psychological aspect of the game reveals the mental fortitude required to maintain performance levels against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny.
With Kondogbia and Traoré sidelined, all eyes will be on the remaining squad members to step up in what promises to be a gripping clash against Strasbourg. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see if Marseille can maintain their momentum and navigate the challenges that lie ahead, as they aim to solidify their standing in the league and build on their recent triumph.
