For Marseille, the season started with the Champions League qualification. In the first match against Greek side Panathinaikos, the club suffered a minimal defeat away. In the first round of the national championship, the team faced Reims and achieved a resilient victory with a score of 2-1. Ounas and Oliveira scored goals for the winners. The Spanish head coach Marcelino used a 4-4-2 formation. Prior to the return match in European competitions, the club lost two of its leaders – Payet left for Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, and Under chose a move to Fenerbah?e. Marseille is currently undergoing another phase of rebuilding after the departure of former head coach Tudor. Marcelino is focusing on the physical condition of the players; according to press reports, the players complained about excessive training loads during the off-season. According to the specialist, he needs reinforcement in the form of a central forward. Marcelino has his own vision of the game’s construction and advocates attacking football principles. A noticeable trend in the early matches is the defensive lapses in their penalty area during set-piece plays.
Panathinaikos secured the second place in the national championship last season, trailing the leader by five points. The club entered the Champions League qualification and in the previous stage overcame the challenge of Ukrainian side Dnipro-1 over two legs – a victory away with a score of 3-1 and a home draw of 2-2. The Greek football championship has not yet started, so the coaching staff, led by Ivan Jovanovi?, is purposefully preparing for each game. The coach prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation and is going to France to defend their minimal advantage. So far, Panathinaikos has left a positive impression on their play, showing high conversion rates of their chances. However, there is noticeable complacency among the players at times, and concentration can be lacking. The club has been active in the transfer market, acquiring several interesting players. Currently, forward Andra? ?porar is in good form.
