Marcelo, his roller coaster at OL – L’Équipe.fr

July 2017: the signing

Globetrotter defender, Marcelo discovered a sixth professional Championship in the summer of 2017 by joining Lyon, after a year and a half in Besiktas (Turkey). The Brazilian shines immediately in the locker room and at the same time proves himself on the pitch.

From its first appearance, on August 5 against Strasbourg (4-0, see photo), it brings power and brings calm to a hinge that was lacking, even if it retains certain faults in the recovery or the race. Marcelo wins and will play 35 matches in L1 for his first season.

December 2019: the break

His third season at OL was laborious and, in the fall, Marcelo was taken in by some supporters, who accused him of threatening remarks against one of their own in the context of a trip.

The real break occurs at the end of a C1 match against Leipzig (2-2, see photo), on December 10, 2019, when the defender responds with two fingers of honor to the ultras who had deployed a contemptuous banner to respect. Marcelo is financially sanctioned by the club. In the locker room, it is no longer unanimous either.

January 2020: the support

At the lowest at the beginning of winter, Marcelo goes up the slope. He had expressed the wish to leave OL, but he is still there at the end of the transfer window. He has received the support of his managers, who have noted that his replacement – Joachim Andersen – misses all too often, and Rudi Garcia also maintains his confidence.

With the public, reconciliation seemed impossible but relations are heating up: after discussions with a supporter in Bordeaux (2-1, see photo), peace is signed. Marcelo will be titular until the end under Garcia, with an extended contract last March.