Gerets was the driving force last season
Marseille fans were disappointed when after nine games of the season the team took just seven points. It was time for changes, and that is precisely what happened. Eric Gerets took over the team, and his first task was to bring back the fans. With the series of good results, in Ligue 1 and also in the Champions League, Gerets stabilized the team and at the same time got the support of the fans. The biggest result was the win at Anfield thanks to magnificent strike by Valbuena. Marseille finished third in the Champions League group A and qualified for the Uefa Cup. The team carried on with great performances in France, and finished third at the end of the season, qualifying for the Champions League. The fans remain confident that if Gerets had been at the helm from the start of the season, Marseille would have been serious contender for the title. This is why the coach states that the beginning of the season is very important as everybody in Marseille hope to finally win the title, and remove Lyon as the dominant force in France.
Ben Arfa and Koné in, Nasri out
The team showed their title ambitions by bringing one of the most talented players in France, Hatem Ben Arfa, from Lyon, and one of the most exciting players in Ligue 1, Bakari Koné. Still, one of the best players, Samir Nasri left the club and he will be greatly missed. The team has one of two best keepers in the league, Steve Mandanda, and Riou was brought from Toulouse as a back up. Two central defenders arrived to the club, Hilton from Lens, and Erbate from Moroccan Casablanca. Even though they never played together, after a month of pre season training they look like a great pair. Midfield is weakened by Nasri's departure, but Cheyrou, M'bami, captain Cana, Valbuena and others will be able to cope. The attacking qualities of Ben Arfa and Koné are magnificent, and boosted by Cisse and Niang, they will give their opponents plenty to worry about. The team has certainly the best attack in the league, and other parts of the team are also very good. When Ziani, Valbuena, and Julien Rodriguez return from injuries, the team will have sufficient back up for every place.
In
Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon)
Bakari Koné (Nice)
Hilton (Lens)
Erbate (Raja Casablanca)
Rudy Riou (Toulouse)
Renato Civelli (returned from loan at La Plata)
Salim Arrache (returned from loan at Toulouse)
Begeorgi (returned from loan at Amiens)
Boštjan Cesar (returned from loan at West Bromwich)
Leyti N'Diaye (returned from loan at Libourne)
Hilario Munoz (Cassis-Carnoux)
Out
Samir Nasri (Arsenal, ANG)
Cedric Carrasso (Toulouse)
Kanga Akalé (returned to Lens)
Jackues Faty (Sochaux)
Jean Philippe Sabo (on loan at Montpellier)
Garry Bocaly (on loan at Montpellier)
Thomas Deruda (on loan at Montpellier)
Gragnic (Reims)
Benatia (on loan at Clermont)
M. N'Diaye (Boulogne)
Sebastien Hamel (Toulouse)
Juan Krupoviesa (returned to Boca Juniors)
Wilson Oruma (free)
Fabrice Begeorgi (on loan at Koblenz)
Fans are confident of success
After Olympique won four consecutive league titles from 1989 to 1992, the fans have been waiting for another Ligue 1 success for 15 years. They hope the team is ready this season to end Lyon's domination and bring the title back to Marseille. The team is much stronger this season even though Nasri left the club. Olympique is ready for this season and everybody in the club is confident of success. They will play in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, and are expected to reach the group stages. This will make the job a bit more difficult, but with the strength in depth the team has, I don't think that will be much of a problem. The team showed they are starting to gel, in the friendly games where all new signings put some very good performances. This is very important as good start can be crucial for winning the title. I am sure Ben Arfa and Koné will shine this season, and with help from other great players Gerets has at his disposal, will be able to finally beat Lyon to the title, and make their fans happy.
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