Foot/Ligue1: Crowd Jeers at Aubameyang as Olympique de Marseille draws with Lille

Last Saturday, the Vélodrome stadium witnessed a unique atmosphere during the match between Olympique de Marseille and Lille, which ended in a goalless draw (0-0). Disappointment mingled with hearty jeers directed at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the OM striker, marking an unusual situation within the Marseille team.

These hostile reactions towards Aubameyang have sparked mixed responses within the club. Gennaro Gattuso, the coach of Olympique de Marseille, did not hide his discontent with the crowd’s reactions. During the post-match press conference, Gattuso passionately spoke up in defense of his player.

«On Thursday, we have another match, and we can respond on the field. I must defend my players, not just Aubameyang. We need to lift our heads, not give up, and I will do everything to make Pierre react. He missed a few passes, but I don’t see a player in great difficulty. We expect a bit more because his name is Aubameyang. He makes mistakes like everyone else, but he’s paying a bit for his career and his name», stated the Italian coach in front of the journalists, expressing his unwavering support for the Gabonese forward.

Gattuso emphasized the need to defend the entirety of his team, emphasizing that Aubameyang was not the sole target of the crowd’s reaction.

He also mentioned the higher expectations associated with the player’s name and reputation, pointing out that he sometimes faces harsh judgments because of his past and fame.

Furthermore, Valentin Rongier, Aubameyang’s teammate, also spoke out in support of the striker during this challenging period, reinforcing the statements made by the Italian coach.

The defense displayed by the coach and Aubameyang’s teammates appears to underscore unity within the Marseille team, despite the mixed reactions from the crowd.

Gattuso has clearly stated his determination to support his player and push him to excel and respond on the field in the upcoming matches.