The nine-time French champion, Olympique de Marseille, won its last title back in 2010, with the last trophy coming in 2012 when they triumphed in the League Cup, a competition that no longer exists. Fans of the team from southern France have grown increasingly frustrated with this long drought, which has affected all levels within the club, as they have struggled to establish any continuity. Even this season, when things appear to be going well with the team in second place in Ligue 1, all is not rosy in Marseille.Fuel to the fire – Marseille screening Pogba?It’s true that things are better than last season, when four coaches were changed in just 10 months, and Olympique ended up missing out on European competition. Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi has managed to stabilize the team somewhat, but the results are not perfect, and Paris Saint-Germain currently holds a six-point lead. This shouldn’t have happened, as PSG has a heavier schedule due to competing in the Champions League, while De Zerbi’s players are focusing solely on the domestic league. However, there have been some significant dips in performance this fall, including losses at Strasbourg (0-1) and at home to PSG (0-3).Marseille win thanks to the Premier League talentsIt actually seems as though Olympique’s players have developed a fear of their own fans, as if they freeze up in front of them. The Stade Vélodrome has long been considered an unbreachable fortress, but recently it has become much harder for Olympique to earn points at home than away. Since the start of the season, besides the defeat to PSG, they have drawn against Reims (2-2) and Angers (1-1) at the Vélodrome, with their only home win coming against local rival Nice (2-0). They have performed significantly better away, with wins over Lyon (3-2), Toulouse (3-1), Nantes (2-1), and struggling Montpellier (5-0).##EDITORS_CHOICE##This Friday, they’ll host Auxerre to open the 11th round. On paper, this should be an easy win, but with so many internal issues, it remains to be seen how De Zerbi will handle everything. One issue that might not directly impact the team but has certainly been felt throughout the club is the ongoing, open conflict between Jean-Pierre Papin and Ali Zarak. Papin, the 1991 Ballon d’Or winner and one of Olympique’s greatest legends, currently works at the club as the coach of the reserve team. Papin is supposed to report directly to Zarak, who heads all youth categories. However, it’s clear the two do not get along, as they have been in open conflict for weeks now. According to French media, Olympique president Pablo Longoria had to step in. Zarak will now focus on scouting, preparing for the winter transfer window, and studying the methods of other youth academies, but he can no longer interfere with Papin’s work. Effectively,PSG in danger, Real and City in an uncomfortable positions: Champions League‘s overviewThis conflict won’t directly affect Marseille’s game against Auxerre, but numerous injuries certainly will. Goalkeeper Ruben Blanco injured his knee, while Faris Mumbanja and Valentin Carboni suffered ligament injuries. Defender Derek Cornelius hasn’t trained with the team since the match against Nantes, and Ulisses Garcia has just recovered from an injury with little chance of being ready for the lineup. Additionally, De Zerbi has been without Chancel Mbemba for some time, as the club has suspended him, and it’s likely that the DR Congo international will change clubs in January. Auxerre last visited Marseille in April last year, when Olympique managed a narrow comeback win, defeating them 2-1 in the final minutes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8486595##
