There are seven of them, and will soon be eight when Yanis Sellami recovers from his ankle surgery a few weeks ago. Eight young players on the edge of the pro team led by Roberto De Zerbi whom OM identified as promising and decided to support a little more in their post-training. In addition to the Sellami midfielder (18 years old), the lucky ones are Keyliane Abdallah (18), Darryl Bakola (17), Alexandre Issanga (17), Alexi Koum (18), Gaël Lafont (18), Kélian Le Pironnec ( 18) and Robinio Vaz (17). Five of them have already been entitled to a few minutes at the highest level and the Italian technician takes a keen look at this next generation, regularly invited to professional training, or even a little more if there is an affinity.
Taken by “Titou” Hasni
“Young people must have the patience to grow, mature, progress and wait their turn. I think I'm one of the coaches in Europe who has brought in the most young people. I don't focus on names, but on results. When they deserve it, they will play“, he insisted at the time of the departure of the eager Enzo Sternal for Anderlecht.
To develop them and give them even more chances to live their dream under the immaculate tunic, the Olympian staff, in particular Medhi Benatia and Ali Zarrak, have concocted a special program for them recently. In addition to their usual training, they are entitled to two additional sessions per week, in the afternoon, where they are taken care of by the new director of the training center, “Titou” Hasni. The program varies from one session to another, but they work specifically according to each other's needs, either in the field or on video. With a stated objective: to have the most complete baggage possible to meet the requirements demanded by OM and De Zerbi.
