OM: Sampaoli does not give Mandanda any gifts – Maxifoot

Unbeatable since his arrival at Olympique de Marseille in 2007, Steve Mandanda must, for the first time, face strong competition in the person of Pau Lopez. A duel maintained and assumed by Jorge Sampaoli.

There is a certainty with Steve Mandanda, it is that he is a monument on the side of the Olympique de Marseille. The most successful player in the history of the phocen club (596 games), the goalkeeper is a true legend in Canebire, where he left his bags from Le Havre in 2007. Unbeatable, whether before or after his short experience Crystal Palace (2016-2017), the French international saw a strong contender land this summer.

Lopez undefeated in Ligue 1

Indeed, the Blue must now play elbows with a talented goalkeeper in the person of Pau Lopez. Unlike many former acolytes of Mandanda, the Spaniard did not come to make up the figures since outside of the 2016-2017 Tottenham season, where he never played, he was systematically number one of his team. , be it Espanyol, Betis or AS Roma. And even pushed towards the exit by the Italian formation, where its performances have had to, the Ibre keeps an interesting level.

This has also been verified in the last three games of OM. Without being transcendent, since he was not very worried, the Catalan was serene and reassuring on his line against Monaco (2-0), Lokomotiv (1-1) and Rennes (2-0). With two clean-sheets in three outings, Lopez has already sent a message to his direct competitor, who is nine years old and who despite his good seasons Marseille, weakens over the months. A fight for the number one place in which Mandanda will not be able to count on Jorge Sampaoli.

Sampaoli will line up the best

And for good reason, the Argentine manager will not give him any gift. If the decision to relegate the Habs may have offended some of my sensitive feelings, the South American will field the best performing of his two goalkeepers. As a coach, you have to analyze your needs and make decisions. The decision to replace Steve (Mandanda) is admittedly unusual, but it did put Pau Lopez in the spotlight. , justified the former coach of the Albiceleste at a press conference.

Despite everything, the 61-year-old technician refuses to bury his captain. I have no doubt that Steve Mandanda will be fighting for a starting place this season. He has experience, a very big role in the club. I often say: ” Time makes things clear ”. The best will be number 1 I’m sure , ended Sampaoli. If he wants to regain his place quickly, Mandanda must not be missed when he is lined up. Because Lopez is determined to take up the torch.

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