Genesio outlines OM’s tactical tweaks and injury updates ahead of Rennes clash

Olympique de Marseille will travel to Roazhon Park on Friday evening for the fourth‑day Ligue 1 showdown with Stade Rennais, and head coach Bruno Genesio used the pre‑match press conference to spell out his tactical blueprint and injury news. He stressed that the team will continue to think “match after match”, aiming to tighten defensive organization while preserving the high‑press that has been a hallmark of his early tenure.

Genesio highlighted the need to improve “defensive animation” – the way the side presses and recovers the ball – without losing the aggressiveness that can trouble opponents. “Our pressing works well, there is no fear,” he said, adding that the squad is “capable of worrying Rennes” if they keep the intensity.

A key point of the briefing was the emerging partnership between forward Amine Gouiri and a fellow attacker, whose technical abilities sit “above average”. Genesio noted that the duo is still finding its rhythm but already shows promising “complicity”, a factor he believes will be vital against a well‑drilled Rennes side.

On the tactical front, Genesio praised the versatility of a midfield option who can operate on either flank, support the attack, sit deeper, or even occupy a central role. “He gives a lot of satisfaction on the right at the moment, but our squad does not allow many alternatives,” the coach explained, underscoring the limited depth that forces Marseille to rely on adaptable players.

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Injury news was also addressed: defender Tochukwu Nnadi was confirmed as unavailable for the trip, and Genesio refused to set a timetable for any further returns, insisting that “we have to see day by day”.

Reflecting on the recent 2‑3 loss to Paris FC, Genesio admitted that Marseille were “troubled by ball losses and transitions”, conceding too many chances when the team failed to stay compact after losing possession. He warned that better positioning in attack is essential to avoid being split in two and to deny Rennes space.

He added that defensive solidity is not only about the height of the block but about “good positions when we attack”, stressing that a coordinated shape will limit the opponent’s opportunities.

Across the channel, Rennes boss Franck Haise remains cautious despite his side’s good form, setting the stage for a tightly contested encounter that could see Marseille attempt to rebound from a shaky start to the season.