Balotelli and Marseille readying Champions League charge
AFP, Paris :
Marseille host Angers on Saturday with the Mediterranean side’s late season push for Europe energised by the goals and all-round contribution of Italian striker Mario Balotelli.
Fourth placed Marseille lost 3-1 at bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain before the international break, but with five Balotelli goals in eight appearances since his January switch from Nice the club is in upbeat mood.
The often controversial striker looks to be thriving in the glare of Marseille’s often comic, soap-opera like atmosphere.
“We can count him in our number,” said club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud.
Coach Rudi Garcia agrees, saying: “when we are down and under pressure, you can always find him, he can hold up the ball and get everyone going again.”
Former OM idol Didier Drogba admitted last week he told Balotelli a stint at Marseille would be good for him.
“Grab your chance. Go for it. It’s a club that’ll do you good,” Drogba said he told the 28-year-old.
The striker will be well rested after Roberto Mancini left him out of Italy’s squad for recent Euro 2020 qualifiers, saying he was unfit, causing him to write on Instagram that he was “tired” of being underestimated -ominously for Angers.
Marseille host Angers on Saturday with the Mediterranean side’s late season push for Europe energised by the goals and all-round contribution of Italian striker Mario Balotelli.
Fourth placed Marseille lost 3-1 at bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain before the international break, but with five Balotelli goals in eight appearances since his January switch from Nice the club is in upbeat mood.
The often controversial striker looks to be thriving in the glare of Marseille’s often comic, soap-opera like atmosphere.
“We can count him in our number,” said club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud.
Coach Rudi Garcia agrees, saying: “when we are down and under pressure, you can always find him, he can hold up the ball and get everyone going again.”
Former OM idol Didier Drogba admitted last week he told Balotelli a stint at Marseille would be good for him.
“Grab your chance. Go for it. It’s a club that’ll do you good,” Drogba said he told the 28-year-old.
The striker will be well rested after Roberto Mancini left him out of Italy’s squad for recent Euro 2020 qualifiers, saying he was unfit, causing him to write on Instagram that he was “tired” of being underestimated -ominously for Angers.
