L’OM finally returns to action after a long international break. Right before the break, Frank McCourt bought the club, turning Marseille upside down. The timing was crucial, as the week off has allowed the dust to settle, and for the team to return to action in relative calm. However, les Marseillais return to action facing a quality Nice team. Nice, despite losing Ben Arfa to P$G, have top players around the field. They have recently acquired Mario Balotelli and Younes Belhanda, shoring up their midfield while providing a striking partner to Valère Germain. OM, with the late additions of William Vainqueur and Clinton Njie, seem to be improving with every week (so far). Tomorrow’s primetime game is slated to be a dogfight. Analysis and Projected Lineup – click “Read More”

Photo source – om.net

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Now that the dust has settled a bit after yesterday’s announcement that Frank McCourt would be purchasing Olympique de Marseille, the Marseille faithful and media have begun scrutinizing the American businessman’s record. While his massive fortune creates potential for big signings, his past record (and the record of other Americans) in club ownership raises some concerns for OM’s future. Potential concerns include financial mismanagement of the club, raised ticket prices, a lack of fan representation, and the corporatization of the OM we know and love. Here are some actions that I feel McCourt would do well to consider, if he wants to succeed in Marseille.

McCourt, visiting le Vieux Port. Photo source – foxbusiness.com

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iThe airwaves around Marseille have been buzzing for the past several hours. Finally, at long last, the club has been sold. The buyer? Frank McCourt, president of McCourt Group, and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers (baseball team). The Boston native was announced this morning as the new owner of Olympique de Marseille, to the surprise of many. So, who is he?

Frank McCourt (right), with Marguerita Louis-Dreyfus (left), and Marseille mayor, Jean-Claude Gaudin (center). Photo credit – latimes.com and Betrand Langlois.

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Hi all, I am back to writing on the blog! After a time where my daily life and packed summer got in the way of my blogging, I have finally decided that I must get back to writing. Despite a tumultuous summer, and a fanbase that has almost given up on the team, there is still plenty to write about and discuss on OM. In this article, I will give brief updates on the biggest issues surrounding OM. Take a look!

Source – om.net

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In my return to the blog after a couple weeks hiatus, we will cover the Monaco game, the lineup for next season, and the impending sale of the team. Despite the incoming semi-final of la Coupe de France, the whole ambiance around the team feels final. This season is over, most of the players will leave, and there is nothing that can be done to salvage anything. While I will always support OM through thick and thin, it is difficult to resist the feeling of disappointment and indifference towards these remaining games. There simply isn’t much to look forward to, unless big changes happen this summer.

After a Monaco goal. Courtesy of om.net

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OM continues to hit every branch as it spirals to the ground. It appears that just when we thought this team couldn’t play any worse, they can continue to surprise us. No fire, no drive, no fighting spirit, and no passion about anything could be found. There is no collective play and no urgency in this team. There are 6 games left in the season, OM is 7 points from relegation… Let’s get to the review.

Mandanda failing to stop the penalty. Courtesy of om.net

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We are back! OM faces off in Corsica against Bastia. Bastia, surprisingly (or not) enough, is ahead in le classement by one point. Due to recent time constraints, I haven’t been able to write as much. I am not going to have a full preview (leaving to join OMNewYork for the game), but will have a review after the game.

Key notes – Diaby and Fletcher are starting !

Allez l’OM !

With a few injuries, a struggling team, and enraged fanbase, OM prepares to face off in Marseille against a quick and talented Rennes side. While OM fans can immediately predict that OM will yet again tie this game 1-1, this could be a wild game. Rennes love to attack, and OM tend to perform better against teams that open up their game. OM fans (unless they sit this one out) will also get to witness a new talent in Ousmane Dembélé. The 18-year old has been lighting it up for le Stade Rennais all season. Should be a fun game, at the least.

actusports.fr

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Hooray, another draw! OM struggled all day against a creative and determined Lorient team. Thanks, yet again, to Mandanda, OM was able to avoid defeat. However, with 15 draws in 30 games, it is clear that this season has been a poor one. The lack of a winning instinct has cost this team any chance of a European spot. Okay, back to the game review.

Nkoudou against Lorient. Source – om.net

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This OM team, having missed numerous chances to move up the table this season, now find themselves in a tough position. With little hope for a podium finish remaining, les Marseillais must find motivation from a different source: desperation. With many fans fed up with the lack of cohesion and efficiency in the team, the pressure on the team has risen to high levels. With Lorient even in points, this will be a tough match. This young Marseille team will have to show newfound maturity and grit in order to win. Will it happen? We shall see…

Photo courtesy of rtl.fr

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