Marseille: Ounahi struggling to make an impact, Moumbagna a regular on the bench… Jean-Louis Gasset explains
Azzedine Ounahi has mitigating circumstances, according to Gasset. A toe injury from last season is reportedly still holding him back
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When Azzedine Ounahi arrived in January 2023 for 8 million euros after a magnificent 2022 World Cup with Morocco, Marseille supporters were bursting with excitement. Yet they are still waiting for more from their number 8, whose output has been underwhelming. Since then, the 23-year-old has scored 3 goals with no assists in 35 games. This season, he has 2 goals in 26 matches (20 starts). Beyond his meagre statistics, it is his limited influence on games that raises questions, whether in winning the ball back or in build-up play. His coach Jean-Louis Gasset, however, sees one mitigating factor.
"After a World Cup in which he was extraordinary, like his whole team, he had a toe injury that is holding back his progress," the manager began at a press conference this Saturday 16 March. He went on: "He had an operation but he is still treating that toe. Last week (against Nantes), he was not with us because he had a sore knee, but it was an injury linked to the toe. It should be temporary. I hope he will get back to his World Cup level."
On Moumbagna: "His turn will come"
Besides Azzedine Ounahi, Jean-Louis Gasset was also asked about Faris Mumbagna. The Cameroonian striker, who arrived this winter, has seen little playing time even though his record is fairly encouraging (2 goals, 1 assist in 8 matches, including 4 starts). Even so, against Villarreal this Thursday 14 March in the Europa League, he stayed on the bench for the whole match, while Aubameyang was a substitute. Gasset was keen to explain the situation.
"The squad is built with plenty of forwards. When we were 3-0 down (against Villarreal, editor's note) and trying to avoid a disaster, I turned round… There were two 18-year-old youngsters and two centre-forwards left, and I had already brought on Aubameyang and Harit at half-time. It is hard to hold the score by changing a forward who has already come on at half-time," the 70-year-old coach lamented. "That is how the squad is built. Faris comes on when he can, like against Clermont, where he scored. He has to be patient and work hard. His turn will come, maybe tomorrow." Available for the trip to Rennes this Sunday 17 March for Ligue 1 matchday 26, Azzedine Ounahi and Faris Moumbagna will have a chance to show what they can do on the pitch…