OM: Lorenzi identifies running and defensive flaws

Marseille’s immediate crisis will not lead to a change in the dugout, with sporting director Grégory Lorenzi confirming that Bruno Genesio remains central to the club’s plans. Genesio’s contract runs until 2028, and Lorenzi ruled out the possibility of the coach leaving in the coming weeks.

Lorenzi instead pointed to physical and defensive shortcomings behind a run of five straight defeats. Marseille began with a 4-0 win over Strasbourg, but then lost 2-0 at Monaco, 3-2 to Paris FC, 1-0 at Rennes, 4-1 against Besiktas and 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain. The director said the team concedes, on average, 24 seconds after losing possession and currently covers the least distance of any side in Ligue 1.

Those limitations are being made harder to address by a restricted squad and weaknesses in some positions. Marseille registered no summer recruits, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Derek Cornelius, Amine Gouiri and Amine Harit were injured during the international break. Lorenzi said the coaching staff is working on ways to compensate for the team’s lack of running rather than expecting an immediate increase in its capacity.

Financial pressure is also shaping the club’s response. Marseille is examining every budget, including possible salary reductions, and has already reduced the size of its staff and travelling delegations. The club also shortened its summer camp in the Netherlands from 15 days to five.