Marseille - Season 17 Preview

I picked up Marseille on the downturn into Division 5. I was drawn to the team, not by any measure other than the history of this club as many of us would remember their famous Champions League win in 93' as well as a host of players that have graced their club, including; Ribery, Drogba, Pires, Voller, Deschamps, Cantona, and many many more.

The task will not be easy here in Division 5. For a time there have been managers clamouring around improving their squads and lying in wait. In addition, some that have dropped down from Division 4 still possess very strong sides. With a range of 2.5 points in rating from top to bottom, there will definitely be an interesting season ahead.

My task here is simple. Defy the odds. Don't get me wrong, I'm under no illusion that my first proper season in Top 100 will be a steep learning curve, but I firmly believe that with the right tweaks, both tactically and with transfers a team can exceed expectations.

Our first hurdle was the retirement of Davy Propper. Upon my arrival in France I had many a sleepless night wondering how on earth we will recover from losing such a key player in such a role for next to nothing.

Our second hurdle - and I imagine as the season progresses, not our last - was finding the right tactic for the club. I'm a firm believer in being innovative, going against the grain. I pondered a tight 4-3-3, but with the loss of Propper it was became too much of a stretch on potential rotation. Our misfortunes in the transfer market in being able to successfully procure a decent CM became all too familiar.

In any case, our transfer business as follows:

In

  • Christopher Trimmel (86) RB - 1.2m
  • Erik Durm (85) LB/RB - 1m + Grady Diagana
  • Patjim Kasami (85) CM/AM/W - 1.7m
  • Kristoffer Olsson (85) - CM/AM - 4m
  • Gabriel Pires - CM (86) and Yaroslav Mikhailov - CM (70) - Nail Umyarov + Neraysho Kasanwirjo

Out

  • Adam Smith (84) RB/LB - 1.8m

My main target this season will be to finish in the top half of the league. I feel our best possible way to achieve this is to continue to look for moves in the transfer market to strengthen the side.

Division 4 Player of the Season

Image result for ryad boudebouz award

Marseille's Algerian forward Ryad Boudebouz is the D5 Player of the Season.

Following the sale of Giorgian De Arrascaeta to Villarreal, a lot was put on the shoulders of Ryad Boudebouz to lead the line at Marseille in Season 9.

He delivered with 19 goals and 3 assists, with 7 Man of the Match awards and importantly only 2 yellow cards.

Unfortunately for Marseille, in a season where the bottom half of the table were involved in six point matches each week, two separate ankle injuries late in the season cost him 5 matches in the run in, which contributed to the relegation to Division 5. Put simply, he was head and shoulders above the other strikers, where Acosta struggled after he lost a step of pace. He was the silver lining in a tough and disappointing season. We are happy for him to be recognized for his performances … and we are very happy he wants to be here for our next campaign.

Marseille manager Mike T

Although not enough to save his club from relegation to Division 5, he beat rivals Morgan Sanson and Roberto Firmino to this prized award.

I am looking forward to the challenge in Division 5. I have had a sit down with the manager after he signed to a 3 year deal contingent on promotion back to Division 4. He told me he was counting on me next season and had no interest in selling me … and to be honest I want to be here.

Marseille's Ryad Boudebouz