Olympique de Marseille manager Bruno Genesio is weighing a tactical shift that could see team captain Timothy Weah move from his current defensive role to a more advanced position on the right wing. The potential change follows a series of internal assessments aimed at addressing the team’s lack of offensive percussion and creativity, RMC Sport reported.
The shift comes as the club looks to build on a 2-0 victory against Troyes on Sunday, October 11, 2026. That result, secured by an Amine Harit goal in the 50th minute and an Himad Abdelli penalty in the 98th minute, marked the team’s first win in nearly two months since their season opener against Strasbourg. The victory moved Marseille out of the relegation zone and into 13th place in the Ligue 1 standings.
Young Defenders Open New Tactical Possibilities
The possibility of moving Weah up the pitch has gained momentum due to the emergence of younger defensive options. Kelyann Bezahaf, a 20-year-old product of the Marseille academy, made his first Ligue 1 start during the club’s 2-0 victory against Troyes on Sunday, October 11, 2026. His performance, alongside that of fellow youngster Nouhoum Kamissoko, has provided the coaching staff with the stability needed to consider reshuffling the lineup. Former Marseille striker Jean-Pierre Papin, writing in La Provence, praised Kamissoko’s technical reliability, comparing his playing style to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. It’s a washing machine, because he returns clean balls,
Papin observed.
Genesio has also utilized Ulisses Garcia in the right-back position during training and in a friendly match against Montpellier on October 3, 2026. By establishing depth in the defensive line, the manager is exploring ways to utilize Weah’s speed and offensive instincts further up the field without compromising the team’s defensive structure. Weah, who has struggled with confidence early in the season—highlighted by his exclusion following two yellow cards against Paris Saint-Germain—has expressed an interest in the change, feeling currently restricted by his defensive duties.
Amine Harit and the Search for Midfield Creativity
A move for Weah would trigger a shift in the broader attacking setup, potentially allowing Amine Harit to transition from the wing into a central “number 10” role. Harit has been filling in on the right flank, but internal evaluations suggest he is more effective in the heart of the midfield. The club has reportedly expressed concern regarding the current form of Angel Gomes, making the central playmaker position a priority for tactical adjustment.
While Genesio has maintained that he does not intend to switch to a five-man defense, he is actively seeking ways to vary his options on the right side. The tactical flexibility offered by players like Harit, Himad Abdelli, and now the potential inclusion of Weah in a more advanced role, represents an effort to inject more speed and technical depth into a frontline that has been inconsistent throughout the early campaign.
The Upcoming Europa League Schedule
The condensed schedule, which includes two upcoming Europa League fixtures starting this Thursday, provides Genesio with a window to implement these changes. The manager’s ability to integrate these adjustments while maintaining the momentum gained from the win at Troyes remains the primary question for the squad as they prepare for European competition. Whether the staff chooses to formalize the move against the Olympiakos defense or continues to evaluate the transition remains to be determined in the next training sessions.
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