marseille fc squad 2018/19

2 min read 23-11-2024

Marseille FC Squad 2018-19: A Season of Transition

The 2018-19 season for Olympique de Marseille was one of significant change and, ultimately, disappointment. While boasting a talented squad, inconsistencies plagued their campaign, leaving them short of their ambitions. Let's delve into the key players who formed the Marseille squad during that transitional year.

Key Players and Formation

Rudi Garcia, the manager at the time, primarily utilized a 4-3-3 formation, though variations occurred depending on the opposition and player availability. This section highlights some of the key players across different positions:

Goalkeepers:

Steve Mandanda: The experienced captain and undisputed number one goalkeeper, Mandanda provided stability and leadership. His consistency between the posts was crucial for Marseille.
Yohann Pelé: Served as the backup goalkeeper, offering reliable cover when needed.

Defenders:

Adil Rami: A seasoned center-back, Rami brought experience and defensive solidity to the team. His leadership was valuable, though injury issues sometimes hampered his availability.
Luiz Gustavo: While often deployed as a defensive midfielder, Gustavo's versatility saw him utilized in a defensive role at times, contributing his strength and tackling ability.
Jordan Amavi: A left-back known for his attacking prowess, Amavi provided width and creativity down the flank. His crossing ability was a key asset.
Hiroki Sakai: A reliable right-back, Sakai offered defensive stability and provided support in attack.

Midfielders:

Morgan Sanson: A central midfielder with a great work rate and an eye for goal, Sanson was a consistent performer.
Kevin Strootman: Signed from Roma, Strootman was a key acquisition. His passing range and midfield control were important assets, although his impact was inconsistent due to injury.
Valère Germain: Often played as a central midfielder, demonstrating his versatility and contributing both defensively and offensively.

Forwards:

Florian Thauvin: The star winger, Thauvin's pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability were crucial to Marseille's attacking threat. He consistently delivered moments of brilliance.
Dimitri Payet: Another key attacking player, Payet's creativity, set-pieces, and ability to unlock defenses were vital. His experience and influence were significant.
Clinton Njie: A pacey forward who added attacking options from the bench and sometimes started. He provided a different dimension to the attack with his direct running.

Tactical Approach and Strengths/Weaknesses

Garcia's 4-3-3 system aimed to control possession in midfield, using the wide players to stretch the opposition. The strengths of this Marseille squad lay in its attacking potential, with Thauvin and Payet providing creative spark and clinical finishing. However, defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistencies in midfield proved to be significant weaknesses. The team sometimes struggled against more physical and organized opposition.

The Season's Outcome

The 2018-19 season ultimately saw Marseille finish fifth in Ligue 1, missing out on Champions League qualification. While they showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and defensive fragility ultimately cost them. The season highlighted the need for further squad strengthening and tactical refinement.

Notable Departures and Arrivals (brief overview)

While a full list is beyond the scope of this article, this season saw players like Kostas Mitroglou depart, with notable arrivals including Strootman. This constant flux impacted team cohesion.

This overview provides an insight into the Marseille squad of 2018-19. It was a season of potential that wasn't quite realized, marking a chapter in the club's history characterized by transition and the search for consistency.

marseille fc squad 2018/19