the underside of the sidelining of Lilian Brassier

OM has an important meeting in Lens this Saturday. After the defeat against Auxerre (3-1) two weeks ago at the Vélodrome, the Phocéens, more comfortable away from their base, will be keen to wash away the affront, moreover against a competitor in the race to Europe. The Sang et Or are only three points behind. To do this, we will have to rectify the situation, particularly in defense. Since the start of the season, the full-back has been struggling and has already conceded 15 goals (in 11 days). Against the AJA, Lilian Brassier (arrived this summer on loan with a purchase option of €11 million) was the symbol of this collective rout and more generally, he started his adventure at OM timidly.

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Roberto De Zerbi even decided to do without it for this trip to Lens. This radical decision is surprising because the squad is not large behind. It's even an understatement. The Brest player, however, has the quality of being versatile, capable of playing in the center as well as in the left lane. Balerdi returned from selection and, like Rulli and the Lyonnais Tagliafico, remained stuck in Paris due to the snow. The Argentinian did not participate in any training. Derek Cornelius is still injured while Bamo Meïté is not part of De Zerbi's plans (24 minutes in 3 L1 matches this season).

OM maintains confidence in Brassier

The former Lorient player is still part of the trip, just like the young Rony Mimb Baheng (19), called up for the first time. The Cameroonian is only a substitute with the reserve but his profile as a left back who can play in the center (like Brassier) pleases the Italian OM coach. For the former Brestois, it's a cold shower but not an end in itself. Everyone at the club still believes in him and supports him. “He did some great things in training. The problem is that we no longer recognize him on weekends, when he puts on the jersey», assures a person close to the locker room Provence. Adrien Rabiot had a little word for him yesterday at a press conference.

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«After the match against Auxerre, we all went our separate ways, especially the players on the national team. It's not always simple, it hasn't been easy for him. I've found him good since I came back, he works a lotpersuades the French international community, also recognizing a somewhat difficult adaptation. He is involved, he is intelligent. He may have a little pressure, that's normal in a club like that, which asks so much of its players and coaches. But I've found it good since I got back. It can happen to have ups and downs. He also has to adapt, he didn't play the same way in Brest. I think he is able to adapt.»

A complicated week in training

Roberto De Zerbi wants to give him time and absolutely does not condemn him for the future. According to RMCthe technician would have seen the defender in difficulty this week in training and prefers to leave him at home. During the truce, he announced to his troops that he would take everyone's general fitness as the first selection criterion when putting together his team. Brassier is entering into this process, having already explained that he uses a mental trainer. The main interested party is waiting for the trigger, just like OM. But obviously, the club will not be able to wait forever and its situation could then change in January, recalls Provence.

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For this match, Parions Sport en Ligne doubles your first bet, up to €90
bonus and offers you €10 credit with the code FM10. A 1-0 victory for OM against Lens earns you up to €820.