The Olympique de Marseille officially launched its pre-season with a friendly match against the Excelsior Maasluis, won 5-0 at half-time. The team, led by Roberto De Zerbi, opted for a 4-3-3 system, highlighting a mix of intensity, game volume and technique. This first half was marked by a triple of Mason Greenwood, as well as the goals of Medina and Rowe, illustrating De Zerbi’s willingness to exploit the variety offered by his field environments. The initial alignment included Rulli in the goals, Murillo and Balerdi in defense, Medina and Garcia in the center, Hojbjerg in sentinel, and Rabiot, Gomes, and Greenwood in support of the attack composed of Gouiri and Rowe.

The club is also preparing for a major offensive reinforcement: Pierre-Emerik Aubameyang should join OM Tuesday night and spend his medical visit Wednesday, in order to sign a two-season contract. This return marks a desire for reconstruction for OM, which seeks to strengthen its attack after several departures. Aubameyang, experienced and able to evolve to different positions, seems to have convinced the management and De Zerbi, and his arrival is part of a medium-term project with experienced players. The officialisation of his arrival is expected within the next 48 hours, allowing him to participate in the pre-season and the dams of the Europa League in August.

This friendly match allowed De Zerbi to evaluate the team’s first automations and prepare for the second period with a rotation of the players, giving the young people more time to play. The meeting, broadcast live on OM’s official YouTube channel, provided fans with an overview of future changes. The starting line-up, with players like Rulli, Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, and the offensive trident Gouiri, Greenwood and Rowe, provides guidance on the new coach’s tactical intentions and highlights the importance of experience and youth in the Marseille project.