The Olympique de Marseille is preparing to face the MHSC this Saturday in a context marked by several worrying events. An important section of the Virage Nord, bringing together Fanatic supporters, will be deprived of participation in the match against Brest following a decision by the Discipline Commission, as a result of celebrations deemed inappropriate at the previous meeting against Toulouse. This lack of supporters, coupled with the pressure of the result, may affect the atmosphere and performance of the team, already faced with a difficult season under the direction of Mr De Zerbi.

At the same time, the MHSC situation will be dramatic. The trip to Marseille could seal the fate of the Hérault club, a defeat officially condemning the team to relegation to Ligue 2. This perspective is all the more burdensome because it coincides with a new controversy involving Andy Delort, the club’s attacker. The absence of the international, originally justified by a disease, was questioned after he was seen participating in a padel tournament, indignation of supporters and exacerbating the feeling of abandonment.

Mr Delort’s insufficient commitment on the ground, illustrated by a lack of goals and disappointing performance, is now amplified by this picture of disengagement. All these elements create an atmosphere of crisis within the Montpellieran club, where pressure is rising for players, staff and management, while relegation is hovering as an imminent threat.