Marseille secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Auxerre on Friday evening, but the performance has sparked debate about the future of several key players. Despite the win, which maintains their third-place standing in the Ligue 1 table, concerns are mounting over the form of experienced players Geoffrey Kondogbia, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Benjamin Pavard, with one analyst suggesting their time at the club may be coming to an end.
Amine Gouiri’s 79th-minute goal, following a defensive error from Auxerre, proved to be the difference. However, the match was far from convincing, particularly in the first half, which was described as “indigne” – unworthy – by consultant Maxime Chanot during the After Foot segment on RMC radio. This lackluster performance has intensified scrutiny on the team’s veteran core.
“It’s Time to Capture Stock of Players Who Should Be Taking Responsibility”
Chanot criticized the pre-match approach, stating, “I don’t understand Habib Beye’s team talk, saying his team was going to ignite the match, attempt to win back the fans, it was completely the opposite.” His criticism was particularly pointed towards Kondogbia, Hojbjerg, and Pavard, questioning their impact and leadership.
“What I don’t understand is the players, completely listless. We talked about technical, physical, mental leaders, or whatever, there is absolutely no one. Benjamin Pavard, I heard he was a little better last week against Toulouse. I remind you that we have a world champion, a guy who played for Bayern Munich, Inter Milan. When you have that career, you have to be able to carry the team forward. It’s the same for Hojbjerg and Kondogbia. You went to get experienced players, did you see players who were above the rest? It comes to a point where you have to take stock of the players who are supposed to be taking responsibility,” Chanot asserted.
“Kondogbia, Hojbjerg and Pavard are Finished”
Chanot didn’t mince words, adding, “You have players who are paid a certain salary, who have a certain status, if the guys are not able to take the players with them and win against AJ Auxerre, a Ligue 1 relegation playoff team, at home, then don’t recruit these players.” He emphasized the need for players to deliver on their reputations and financial commitments.
The consultant continued, “The reality is trying to limit the damage for Habib Beye and Medhi Benatia, to qualify for the Champions League. I forget these 5-6 matches, this period where there was indeed some good against Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbonne or Ajax Amsterdam, who were being rolled over by everyone in the Champions League. The reality is that all the recruits were overheated because they had just arrived, they wanted to show a good face. Apart from this series of 4, 5, 6 matches, what has been good at OM? Nothing. Why? Because the players are not able to give you good content, that’s all. You talk to me about Kondogbia, he’s finished. Hojbjerg, he’s finished. Pavard, he’s finished. That’s it. The guys aren’t moving forward for OM.”
The criticism comes at a crucial juncture for Olympique de Marseille. Although the victory over Auxerre maintains their position in the league, the performance raises serious questions about the team’s ability to consistently compete at a high level. The future of these experienced players, and the club’s strategy for strengthening the squad, will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
For Marseille, the immediate focus remains on securing Champions League qualification. However, the comments from Chanot highlight a deeper issue: the need for players to consistently perform at the level expected of them, particularly those brought in with high expectations and substantial salaries. The club faces a critical decision point as they assess whether to continue investing in players who are, according to some, past their prime.
The situation at OM underscores the challenges faced by clubs balancing experience with dynamism. While veteran players can provide stability and leadership, their declining performance can develop into a liability. Finding the right blend of youth and experience is a constant challenge for any ambitious team, and Marseille appears to be grappling with this issue currently.
The next match for Olympique de Marseille is scheduled for [insert date and time of next match, verified], against [insert opponent, verified] at the [insert venue, verified]. This match will provide another opportunity for the team to demonstrate their capabilities and address the concerns raised by recent performances. Fans will be hoping to see a more convincing display from the team, particularly from the players who have come under scrutiny.
What do you reckon? Are these players past their prime, or can they turn things around for OM? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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