New Marseille: 16 players out, 12 new in

A massive clearance in Marseille. Since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival as a coach last season, the French giant moved to the second spot in Ligue 1, just underneath the untouchable PSG. His initial season was good, but he didn’t play any European football. Now, Marseille is in the Champions League again and the club has done everything possible to straighten the team in order to maintain the second position and to be competitive in Europe. No less than 12 players arrived during the June transfer window, while 16 footballers left the club, but the majority of deals were done in the last days of August. Some of that hastiness came from the unexpected Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe fight in the locker room after the 1-0 defeat to Rennes on the opening day on August 15. That incident overshadowed everything the sporting sector done during June and July and the clubs not only sold both players (unexpectedly), but also had to find their replacement soon.

Marseille sign a trio of Premier League players

“From August 29 to September 1, there were six arrivals. Junior Traore, Matt O'Riley, Arthur Vermeeren, Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard. We will try to put them on the pitch straight away. They are very strong players, I am happy with the squad we have put together” said coach De Zerbi before the Lorient game.

Crisis in Marseille: 'The fans are on fire'

Certainly the biggest signing was former Bayern and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, who came on a loan with a 15 million obligation to buy. He revealed that he contacted his France teammate Rabiot, who was sold by Marseille and he told him only the best things about the club.

“Everything he told me about Marseille was only positive. He is very happy with my signing. He told me that the supporters were incredible, that it was something to do. He told me only good things about the club, he confirmed my choice even though I knew the city a little before signing. When I heard about OM's interest, it was clear in my mind: joining the Velodrome and playing in the Champions League with Marseille. Marseille is a big club too, you can't refuse it. When I see the infrastructure, it's magnificent. The supporters are always there, I needed to experience emotions and get closer to my family. Everything is done to make me happy" said the Frenchman.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 4

Friday

21.45: (1.38) Olympique Marseille (5.50) Lorient (7.75)

Saturday

18.00: (1.75) Nice (3.60) Nantes (4.90)

22.05: (5.00) Auxerre (4.20) Monaco (1.65)

Sunday

16.00: (1.85) Lille (3.80) Toulouse (4.50)

18.15: (2.35) Brest (3.50) Paris (3.15)

18.15: (2.40) Metz (3.25) Angers (3.25)

18.15: (1.35) PSG (5.80) Lens (8.50)

18.15: (1.65) Strasbourg (3.70) Le Havre (5.60)

21.45: (2.75) Rennes (3.65) Olympique Lyon (2.55)

***odds are subject to change***