As the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season begins, Olympique de Marseille (OM) has renewed ambitions to compete with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid seems to open a window of opportunity for PSG’s rivals, and OM is firmly committing to the battle for the title.
Season Context
After five matchdays in Ligue 1, PSG, OM, and AS Monaco find themselves tied, each with four victories and one draw. However, PSG maintains an advantage due to a goal average that is more favorable. While it is still early to qualify this season as a true title battle, OM and Monaco are positioning themselves as serious rivals, especially given that the Marseillais will not participate in European competitions this year, allowing them to have fewer matches to play.
OM’s Ambitions
From OM’s side, Medhi Benatia, advisor to Pablo Longoria, and Roberto De Zerbi, the club’s new coach, clearly expressed their intention to compete with PSG for the French champion title as early as June. They shared their conviction that Kylian Mbappé’s departure could weaken PSG.
A player agent targeted by OM emphasized that Mbappé’s absence, capable of scoring more than forty goals per season, makes PSG less intimidating to its opponents. This presents a strategic opportunity for OM to establish itself as a viable competitor.
The First Classic of the Season
The true test of strength for OM looms with the first Classic of the season, which will take place on Sunday, October 27, at the Vélodrome stadium. This match will be a crucial test for Marseille’s ambitions, especially in a context where PSG will attempt to extend its invincibility at the Vélodrome, a streak that has lasted since November 2011.
Although OM secured a victory against PSG in the Coupe de France in February 2023, the confrontation in Ligue 1 promises to be decisive in confirming the Phocaean club’s ambitions for this season.
The 2024/2025 season promises to be thrilling for Ligue 1, with a title race that could tighten, particularly between OM and PSG, in a context marked by Mbappé’s departure.
Source: www.culturepsg.com