Before the World Cup, OM had emerged from a very complicated phase by beating two big names, Lyon (1-0) and Monaco (3-2), which had allowed them to both cling to the leading wagon and chasing away the atmosphere of crisis which always sets in a little more quickly in Marseille than elsewhere.

By clearly beating the TFC on Thursday, Igor Tudor's team finally reinstalled themselves on the podium (3rd) and will leave for Montpellier on Monday reassured about their strengths and their current value.

"We are very happy. The group worked really well and we had a match that was perhaps almost perfect. We must continue like this. This is the first but there are still many to come", declared goalkeeper Pau Lopez, still impeccable against the Violets.

"We were keen to resume well after this unusual break. We also wanted to continue this series started before the break and we did it in a good way. Physically, it will be better and better", for his part assured the captain Dimitri Payet, brought to find playing time with the injury of Amine Harit, whose season is over.

Tudor was also pleased with what he had seen at the Vélodrome, which he said was the result of working with a small group between Marseille and Marbella during the unusual November-December break.

OM attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet celebrates his goal against TFC, during the 16th day, December 29, 2022 at the Stade Vélodrome © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP/Archives

"We were able to work with quality and calm. I lacked a few players but we did a good job, I think. But it's also work we've been doing for five months. There are bases on which start again," he said before Thursday's game.

Beware of the transfer window

Not the type to ignite for a good result, the very placid Chancel Mbemba came to remind him on Saturday that success against Toulouse was not worth more than a 1-0 snatch victory and that he gave no guarantee before face Montpellier.

Congolese defender of Marseille Chancel Mbemba during the reception of Toulouse in Ligue 1, December 29, 2022 at the Vélodrome stadium © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP / Archives

"It will be a very difficult match. We won 6-1 but we know it's going to be tough all the same. We have to stay focused on our job, on what we have to do. We're going to give it our all and we must continue to work," said the Congolese defender.

"What's important is to keep your head calm and work game by game. That's how we do good things," he added.

The calendar is rather favorable to OM with, after Monday's trip to Montpellier, another trip to Troyes, then the reception of Lorient.

But the period will also be marked by the transfer window, open since this Sunday, and the month of January should as often be agitated in Marseille on this ground.

Montpellier Hérault captain Téji Savanier during a Ligue 1 match in Lorient, December 29, 2022 © LOIC VENANCE / AFP/Archives

"Numerically, we have lost a lot of players. If we want to achieve the objectives set, I think we will have to strengthen the offensive sector," said Payet on Thursday, referring to Harit's injury and the departures, confirmed or on the point. of being, of Luis Suarez and Gerson.

"On the players who have to leave, it's done or almost done. In terms of arrivals, we're working on it," Tudor put into perspective on Saturday.

But the Croatian knows January can be hot.

© 2023 AFP