Marseille: Lorenzi backs Genesio, January signings wait on DNCG

Three points from five games, four defeats, 17th place: Grégory Lorenzi put the numbers on the table in his first major interview, given to L’Équipe on Tuesday at the club’s headquarters. “I don’t like it when we are in comfort,” says the sporting director, who arrived from Brest in June. He even warns: “There will perhaps be moments when we get whistled.”

His head coach has looked less serene. Bruno Genesio publicly demanded explanations from his board, and reports of an early exit followed. Lorenzi cuts it short: “The coach is committed with us until 2028, we plan with Bruno and there is no subject there, quite simply.”

No signings before December’s DNCG hearing

The same candour on the transfer market. Last summer, Marseille signed nobody, not even on loan, and sold several key players. January hinges on the French football financial watchdog: “We prepare a hearing with the DNCG in December and we will see depending on that. Today, I can answer neither on arrivals nor on departures.” Genesio will work with the squad he has, plus academy players, “more and more numerous because there is no other choice”.

The team that runs least in Ligue 1

The sharpest finding concerns legs. “We are the team that runs least in Ligue 1,” Lorenzi concedes: 102.3 km per game, against 114.2 for Rennes. Vulnerability peaks at turnovers: “a stat says we concede goals 24 seconds after losing the ball, which means we were too exposed.” The staff is looking for tactical answers to limitations the legs cannot run off.

Sunday evening (19:45 UK time), 17th travels to 16th: Troyes, on 4 points, host Marseille, on 3, at the Stade de l’Aube in a duel that smells of relegation. The market stays calm: Marseille are favourites at 1.92 with 1xbet (7 October odds), Troyes at 4.03, the draw at 4.05. At that price, a bet on Marseille backs reputation over form. I will watch their legs first. 18+. Only bet what you can afford to lose.