Marseille: Iliman Ndiaye endures difficult start

Signed with great fanfare by Olympique de Marseille, Iliman Ndiaye hoped to hit the ground running from the start. So far, though, it has been more of a damp squib. The Senegalese has still not opened his account for the Olympians despite a few good performances. In 5 appearances in all competitions (all as a starter), the former Sheffield man has just one assist to his name. That came on matchday 1 of Ligue 1 against Reims.

In between, Iliman Ndiaye put in a poor display against Pana in the first leg of the Champions League 3rd qualifying round. In the return, though, the 23-year-old was very good in open play and even came close to scoring a goal for the ages after dribbling past several opponents. Three days later, at Metz, he was again involved in the play and even hit the post. On Saturday against Brest in Ligue 1 (2-0 win, matchday 3), the forward started again. But with a clumsy, hesitant and disjointed OM side, he had a game to forget. He was taken off in the 64th minute.

Marcelino's advice to Iliman Ndiaye

The substitution appeared to hit Iliman Ndiaye hard. Was it because of his performance, or because he has still not played a full match? Either way, the Senegal international made his disappointment plain. First by pulling a face before leaving the pitch, then by slumping onto the bench with his head down. Even so, despite this rough patch, the player can count on the support of his coach Marcelino.

“I get the impression he wants everything to happen very, very quickly, but he's a good player. He should enjoy OM and this wonderful stadium more. Everything will come in good time”, said the Spanish coach after the match, trying to dispel the doubts. Words to reassure Iliman Ndiaye? We will find out on Friday 1 September at Nantes, in matchday 4 of Ligue 1.