For the first episode of « Le match en questions » this season on OMtv, the guests were Jean-Claude Dassier, President of OM, Eric Di Meco, former OM player, Michel Hidalgo, former national team manager and Dominique Grimault, Media Director at OM. With Sébastien Piétri and Laurie Samama, they looked back on OM’s performance in Grenoble and Week 1 of the Ligue 1 in general.

What did the guests think of OM’s performance?

Each one had his own analysis of the match against Grenoble.
Jean-Claude Dassier :
«I loved it, especially in the first half, a little less in the second but the first 45 minutes were fantastic. I am a little biased. We grabbed Grenoble by the throat and didn’t let go, except maybe a little minute at the end of the first half. There was a lot of physical impact, even if it is to be expected when you see the team on paper. But on paper and friendly matches are a lot different to real competition. I thought they were magnificent. Our rhythm dropped in the seond half. Grenoble got back into things and the entry of Ljuboja caused us problems. We had trouble killing the match off and scoring a second goal. I was worried as a match can turn quickly with an equaliser. We deserved to finish things off and the second goal took the weight off my shoulders and was a great satisfaction.
OM are all about passion. I know that it can devour you, I hope that I will be able to resist. I’ve a solid constitution but I have to step back a little. I didn’t have any there and it was only the first game of the season. That worries me».

Michel Hidalgo :
« It’s a good start. OM didn’t slip on the first rung. Two goals from Niang and Cheyrou isn’t too bad. Over the last five years OM had never managed to start with a win, so it bodes well. This match will not go down in the annals, but it can help gain a little time. The team controled the match well, even if they did lack a certain realism. That is why they suffered in the second half».

Eric Di Meco :
«At the start of the season, all teams are in the starting blocks and are asking themselves questions. OM answered a lot of these questions. We know that they will be solid defensively and that they have a good system with their 4-3-3 formation. Afterwards, it was only Grenoble, it was the first match of the season, we all need to calm down, but Marseille did answer a lot of questions ».

Dominuque Grimault :
«What is important is that OM did not concede any goals while Lyon, for example, conceded two. It’s proof of security. Last year OM conceded four away to Rennes in the first game of the season. Almost straight away you could feel that they were nervous. This year, that doesn’t seem to be the case, which is a plus».

Can the status of favourites unsettle OM ?

Journalists, supporters, managers, players… everybody seems to agree that OM are favourites for the title. Will this status put extra pressure on OM and at the same time spare their rivals?
«When you look at the recruitment, it is understandable that OM are considered favourites » states Michel Hidalgo. «Favourites ? Yes, but only just when you look at Bordeaux ‘s performance against Lens. Bordeaux are solid and serious, analyses Jean-Claude Dassier. The statements about OM are flattering, it confirms everything that has been said about Marseille. It makes me happy for Didier, José and all the staff. It’s nice to see that people recognise how great the side is and was for their first match of the season. Whether you are favourite or not, there is always pressure at OM. Everyone is expecting us to win something and we will do all that we can to win a trophy, something we haven’t done in 16 years ».
«This status can be a problem for certain players but also can create fear in opposing sides and can facilitate certain matches. You have to use this status», adds Eric Di Meco.

Since the start of the season, OM’s ambitions and objectives have been clear. «It’s good that the directors have come out and stated their objectives and assume the status of favourites. There is no question of hiding. Didier Deschamps has said it, repeated it, he is not going to hide and that is a good thing. Laurent Blanc didn’t come clean until there was only two games left last season. Didier is not hiding».

Will Bordeaux be OM’s main rival for the title?

Victorious over Lens, 4-1 on Sunday evening, Bordeaux started their season off in style. «Bordeaux sent out a clear message to OM. They have picked up where they left off» declares Michel Hidalgo. «Of course Bordeaux have to be taken seriously. Bordeaux can call upon everything they have gone through, their experience, as their squad has barely changed, notes Dominique Grimault. I wasn’t very convinced by the central defensive pairing, but we all know Laurent Blanc, he should sort things out over the coming weeks. Of what we saw during this first round of matches, two teams stand out from the rest, OM and Bordeaux ».
The readers of OM.net also elected Bordeaux as principal rivals to Marseille. The current champions will not back down without a fight. «Sunday’s game is a reminder that there are rivals for the title. Bordeaux are not going to give up their title easily. On top of that, Lyon and Paris, even if they are suffering at the moment, won’t be making things easy for us we we go to play them. Bordeaux will be there. If Chamakh stays with them, the Bordeaux squad will have the same value OM’s» concludes Eric Di Meco.

See "Le match en questions" on OMtv this Monday at 19h10 and 21h10