Two former OM coaches, Gennaro Gattuso and Marcelino, are off to a promising start to the season with their respective new clubs. While the Italian shines with Hajduk Split in Croatia, the Spaniard turns around Villarreal in Spain.
Currently at the head of Hajduk Split and Croatia, Gattuso leads his team at the top of the championship, one point ahead of Rijeka and four ahead of Dinamo Zagreb after 13 days. If the Italian coach had gotten off to a difficult start, with a premature elimination in the Europa Conference League and tensions with certain players, he managed to turn things around. His team remains on an impressive run of 11 games without defeat, in all competitions, until a defeat on November 3. The club's supporters, who dream of a championship title after a third place last season, hope to regain their last coronation dating from 2005. But Gattuso remains cautious, recalling that the season is still long and that he prefers not to rejoice too quickly. For him, the main thing is to have created a solid “family” within the locker room, focused on discipline and training.
Marcelino and Gattuso are at it again!
Also read: Jérôme Rothen optimistic about the future of OM with De Zerbi and Benatia!
For his part, Marcelino has regained his place in Spain with Villarreal after a tumultuous departure from OM in September 2023. Despite a disappointing last season, he retained the confidence of his leaders. Currently 4th in La Liga, the Yellow Submarine has a solid record of 7 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats, and is getting closer to European places. The team's performance is driven by Ayoze Perez (7 goals) and Thierno Barry, author of 3 goals and 2 assists. Former Olympian Pape Gueye occupies a key place in the midfield alongside Dani Parejo. Deprived of European competition this season, Villarreal is fully focused on the championship, which could be an asset in the fight for European places.
The start of the season Gennaro Gattuso et Marcelino do not go unnoticed, despite their visits to Marseille which left very mixed memories.
