In the space of one week, against Milan and Montpellier, four of OM's new recruits opened their scoring accounts. Gabriel Heinze, Lucho Gonzalez, Edouard Cissé and Souleymane Diawara scored their first goals in an Olympique de Marseille jersey.
Gabriel Heinze
Against AC Milan during the first match of the Champions League campaign, the Argentine defender equalised just after the break. The former Parisian headed home a corner from Benoît Cheyrou, leaving Storari no chance. Not used to scoring, but experienced in European competition, Gabriel Heinze savoured the goal, his first with OM, against the grat Milan as it deserved.
Lucho Gonzalez
Four days after his fellow countryman, Lucho Gonzalez opened his account with OM. After picking up a knee injury with Porto at the end of last season and a knock to his shoulder during pre-season, the midfielder had to wait before getting back to his best form. Against Montpellier, he put on show his many talents. Following a break down the left by Mamadou Niang, Lucho fired home the cross from the Senegalese international, sending Jourdren the wrong way. «Of course I’m delighted to have scored. Any player gains confidence from scoring a goa. What is important is that the team won».
Edouard Cissé
Just five minutes after Lucho Gonzalez, it was the turn of Edouard Cissé to open his account. The former Besiktas player jumped on his chance breaking through in the middle of the park. Without controlling, Lucho Gonzalez slid the ball through to him. Calmly, the defensive midfielder scored past the keeper as he came out to meet him. «I was happy and proud as I don’t often score. It was fun to score at the Vélodrome».
In this goal, it was the build-up that needs to be highlighted. «The build up went well, Lucho passed the ball to me while moving. Things like that are worked on in training and that showed in this move. I was delighted for him, for the team and for me. Lucho has a great first touch and that can destabilise a defence».
Even if he hopes to score more, Edouard Cissé is delighted with this goal as it means he has scored for every club that he has played for. «For a defensive midfielder who doesn’t score very often, it makes me proud» he concludes.
Souleymane Diawara
> In the second half against Montpellier, with the score at 3-0, OM continued to push forward, with great desire to put on a show. In the 51st minute, the central defender was at the reception of a Benoît Cheyrou corner. «I cut in at the near post. I was lucky enough to beat my marker». He celebrated with an unusual celebration, an original dance. «I was happy and I made it known by dancing».
Just like Edouard Cissé, Souleymane Diawara is not used to scoring goals. This first one with OM, is full of importance. «For a new player, scoring early on in the season is good for the morale. I heard the supporters singing my name, it’s always nice».
