OM: training, rest and a friendly, the international-break plan to emerge from the crisis

Training, physical work, rest and a friendly: OM have begun their international-break programme with the aim of emerging from the crisis. Two days after the 2-1 defeat to PSG in the Classique, Marseille returned to training on Tuesday, with Bruno Genesio present for the group session at La Commanderie despite his frustration with the club’s situation.

Genesio and OM hope to use this international break to address what needs to be corrected after a very difficult start to the season. This break, which includes several weeks without the internationals called up by their national teams, has brought an adjusted schedule: physical work, but also time off at the end of the week to allow the squad to rest and mentally recover. Marseille have suffered five defeats in their last six matches in all competitions.

Genesio, who led Tuesday’s training session, is also expected to be in charge on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, only players whose physical condition requires it will be at La Commanderie for a work session and possible treatment. The squad will then have a full weekend off to switch off and recharge.

According to OM, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Tochukwu Nnadi could return during the break. Their return would be welcome in a midfield short of options, despite Angel Gomes and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remaining at the club during the summer transfer window.

The second week of the break will end with a friendly against Montpellier in Martigues. The match, scheduled for Saturday 3 October at 5 p.m., will be played behind closed doors, without supporters or journalists. Until then, Genesio will work without Aguerd, Abdelli, Cornelius, Gouiri, Højbjerg and young players Bezahaf, Gomis and Mmadi, all away with their national teams.

Marseille’s staff nevertheless intend to use the coming weeks to lift the squad’s morale. Genesio’s state of mind will also be one to watch: the coach remains highly annoyed and frustrated by the circumstances of his start to the season at OM, after being guaranteed a minimum number of signings.