Adrien Rabiot quickly adapted to Marseille, and Marseille adopted him. Before challenging PSG, his training club, with the jersey of the Olympian rival, the French International took the time to regain his physical health and make his mark in the locker room, where his personality and professionalism are already evident. unanimity.
He had checked this date of October 27, 2024, upon his arrival in Provence. Adrien Rabiot has worked hard, since his signing in Marseille, to arrive in good shape for this OM-PSG long awaited by the supporters, and which he himself necessarily considers to be a major meeting in this season, even in his career. A reunion with your training club, when you have just signed with your long-time rival, is not every day.
Staying in Marseille during the break, a decision appreciated by OM
This required a very specific program and an increase in physical strength. First, take stock with Roberto De Zerbi's staff, in conjunction with his personal physical trainer, who accompanied him this summer, while Rabiot was without a club.
Then, a few appearances to regain his sensations, with two entries at the end of the match against Strasbourg and Angers. Finally, a decision, which OM was calling for: that of keeping Rabiot, in Marseille, during the international break in October, to optimize his chances of returning to form. The international retirement of Antoine Griezmann could have disrupted plans, with Didier Deschamps wanting to rely on certain executives, including the former Juventus player. But reason prevailed. Rabiot could concentrate on his new club, he will return to the French team in November.
Physical work, video sessions and Italian connection with De Zerbi
Adrien Rabiot was able to work, physically and tactically. Even creating an already strong connection with his trainer. Exchanges in Italian with Roberto De Zerbi are frequent and the bond between the two men is already solid. The OM coach said it to Rabiot, and repeated it to his managers: he wanted a midfielder of his profile, technical, comfortable with the ball, with a high volume of play, a player capable of creating a link between the Olympian defense and attack.
This October truce was decisive in Rabiot's rapid adaptation to OM. Through video sessions specially reserved for the international community, it was necessary to integrate certain principles of play, in particular ball releases, dear to “RDZ”. The former Parisian titi was also able to take advantage of this calmer period to make his mark.
Not to spoil anything, Rabiot already feels good in Marseille. He was able to find accommodation in Provence, the good weather there is appreciable, after the gray of Turin and Paris, even if a few rain showers punctuated this month of October. He likes the facilities at the Robert-Louis-Dreyfus center.
“He is thriving, and he is already an important personality in the locker room”
His teammates, especially the younger ones or those who had not left for the selection, describe a boy who was “pleasant, very composed off the field and hyper professional in his daily life”, which no one doubted. “Rabiot is an exceptional player,” says Léo Balerdi, the captain. “In the locker room, he is already a leader. He has immense experience. The messages he gives us, before or after matches, are very precious and important for us.”
Internally, we explain that Rabiot above all felt a real pleasure in finding an ambitious group. And that this unexpected challenge of returning to France and wearing the OM jersey resembles him. Rabiot leads his career as he sees fit and hates those who give lessons. “We are very happy with its adaptation,” confides a club executive. “The fact that he stayed in Marseille during the break was the right decision, which proves that he is a great professional. He is comfortable, he is already an important personality in the locker room, he is fulfilled. “
Mattéo, a supporter: “He often stops after training, we feel that he is happy to be here”
His adventure with PSG ended badly. Will he draw particular motivation from it for Sunday? “He has to be calm, he knows how to face these kinds of matches,” announces De Zerbi. “I like this idea of having motivated players, who are a little hot-blooded. Adrien made the right choice by coming to OM. It's always better to have him in your team than as an opponent .”
Rabiot is already unanimous. And the Marseille supporters were marked by his sympathy. It is not uncommon for OM's No. 25 to make a quick stop when leaving the Commanderie, confirms Matteo, a regular here: “Yes, he often stops after training. We feel that He's happy to be here. He's smiling, he talks, signs autographs, takes photos. We asked him if he supported OM when he was younger. He told us he liked it! the Marseille club, without necessarily being a supporter of it. I hope he will score against PSG. It will please Nasser.
Rabiot can't wait to see a boiling Vélodrome, in the OM jersey
A bit of irony among OM fans. But Marie-Jo, with her orange South Winners t-shirt, is not laughing… when she says that Rabiot is already “her favorite”. “If we adopted him? Oh yes, especially me. He's my favorite player. Even if he was Parisian, I loved him in the French team.”
Rabiot confides privately that he was amazed by this warm and kind welcome from all the OM fans. “I felt it as soon as he arrived in Marignane,” confirms Thierry, aka Titi le Boss, the supporter with whom the recruits are used to posing as soon as they get off the plane. “Of all the summer recruits, I felt the happiest to be there. He had a big smile. He didn't expect so many people, so much noise, so many songs.” Its only home match, against Angers, took place in a stadium sanctioned by two partial closed doors, and the atmosphere was felt in the corners. Rabiot is now yearning to experience a full Vélodrome, in the OM jersey, and on a big poster against PSG.
Florent Germain, in Marseille
