Marseille is looking to build on their impressive start to the Ligue 1 season as they prepare to face struggling rivals Lyon this weekend. Under new coach Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille has emerged as a potential title challenger to Paris Saint-Germain, boasting three wins and a draw in their opening four matches. De Zerbi has quickly instilled an attacking style reminiscent of his successful tenures at Brighton and Sassuolo, leading to a total of 12 goals scored so far.
A significant boost to Marseille's attack has come from controversial signing Mason Greenwood, who has netted five goals after his departure from Manchester United amid serious allegations. Additionally, experienced midfielder Adrien Rabiot has joined the squad on a free transfer from Juventus, although he is not expected to play against Lyon. This influx of talent has raised hopes among Marseille's long-suffering fans, who have not seen their team lift the Ligue 1 title since 2010.
Despite the optimism surrounding the team, De Zerbi emphasizes the need for caution and continuous improvement. Following a solid 2-0 victory over Nice, he acknowledged the team's strong start but reminded everyone that there is still much work to be done. He encouraged fans to dream but also highlighted the importance of focusing on their development as a team. The coaching staff, players, and club president all share ambitions for the season, but De Zerbi believes it is crucial to remain grounded.
On the other hand, Lyon is grappling with a challenging start to the season, having experienced a tumultuous campaign last year that saw them finish at the bottom of the table after 14 matches. Currently, they have accumulated only four points, putting them eight behind league leaders PSG. Under the management of Pierre Sage, Lyon made a remarkable recovery last season to finish sixth, qualifying for the Europa League and reaching the French Cup final. Their prospects for improvement will become clearer in this weekend's match against a confident Marseille. Meanwhile, PSG aims to secure their fifth consecutive victory when they visit Reims, and Monaco, tied on points with Marseille, will host Le Havre.
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