Football/OM: The reasons behind Lilian Brassier’s exclusion
OM will travel to Lens this Saturday without Lilian Brassier, who has been left behind by Roberto De Zerbi, despite being available. This decision is surprising, especially since OM needs to strengthen its defense after a series of poor performances, including the 3-1 defeat to Auxerre two weeks ago.
Brassier, who joined OM this summer on loan with an option to buy for €11 million, has been criticized for his mistakes in that match and has struggled to make an impact since his arrival.
De Zerbi has decided not to include him in the squad for the trip to Lens, despite a depleted defensive lineup. Several players are either absent or injured: Balerdi, returning from international duty, and Tagliafico are stranded in Paris due to snow, while Derek Cornelius is still injured. However, Brassier is still part of the trip, as is young Rony Mimb Baheng, who has been called up for the first time. Although Mimb Baheng is a substitute with the reserve team, his profile as a left-back who can play in the center is appealing to De Zerbi.
Despite this decision, the club continues to support Brassier, who has shown promise in training but has failed to deliver in matches. According to a close source from the locker room, it’s difficult to recognize the Brassier from training when he plays in matches, which partly explains his absence for this trip.
Nonetheless, OM still believes in him and offers their support, with Adrien Rabiot also expressing a word of encouragement in a press conference.
Pascal Amstrong
