Nayef Aguerd’s arrival at the Olympique de Marseille has already generated interest, particularly among Moroccan football connoisseurs such as Nasser Larguet, former director of the OM training centre and current national technical director in Saudi Arabia. Larguet emphasizes Aguerd’s sense of analysis and adaptability, explaining that his choice to reposition himself as a central defender is the result of his lively mindset and his understanding of reduced games. It highlights the player’s maturity and tactical intelligence, as well as his ability to assess talent within the academy, which translates into an exceptional reading of the game and a remarkable defensive anticipation. With his experience, versatility and intelligence, Aguerd seems to have the necessary assets to succeed at OM, while having to confirm on the terrain of the Vélodrome where expectations are particularly high.
Beyond the field, OM news is marked by an unexpected alliance between Frank McCourt, owner of OM, and Joseph Oughourlian, president of RC Lens. This alliance aims to challenge the current governance of the LFP, embodied by Vincent Labrune and supported by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. Daniel Riolo, commenting on this situation on RMC Sport, criticizes the current management of the LFP, calling it responsible for the enticement of French football. He stressed the intensification of criticism of Vincent Labrune and the possible formation of an opposition within the League at the next board of directors. Frank McCourt’s appearance, after a long period of discretion, is seen as a major event, likely to unite several presidents around a solid counter-power, despite economic resistance and tensions over TV rights.
The Olympique de Marseille is about to return to the Champions League after three years of absence, with a particularly difficult start to the campaign. The club will face Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabéu on 16 September, with nearly 4000 Marseille fans expected to support the team. OM will also have to compete with other renowned teams such as Liverpool, Ajax Amsterdam and PSG, in a demanding group. This month of September will be decisive for the club, with a month of European matches and the upcoming Classic. Marseille fans are encouraged to mobilize to accompany their players in this competition, in the hope of writing a new page in the club’s European history.