Genesio banks on two youngsters at Besiktas to launch Europe

For the first matchday of the Europa League, Olympique de Marseille travel tonight to Istanbul at 9 p.m. against Besiktas. Bruno Genesio has announced two newcomers in his squad, the youngsters Kelyann Bezahaf and Alexi Koum, alongside the usual senior players.

Two youngsters called up

Bezahaf and Koum had not been called up during the previous outings of OM this season. Their presence therefore represents a small novelty in the Marseille squad, giving these two youngsters the chance to experience the atmosphere of a European match and, perhaps, to pick up some playing time.

The two players, called up especially for this trip, will therefore be able to face the Turkish opponent and gain experience. This decision shows that Genesio wants to blend youth and experience from the start of the campaign.

The full squad

The 23 players selected by Bruno Genesio include three goalkeepers – De Lange, Vermot and Van Neck – and a solid defence with Aguerd, Cornelius, Egan‑Riley, Emerson, U. Garcia, Meïté, Weah, Bezahaf and Koum.

In midfield, Abdelli, Hojbjerg, Kamissoko, A. Gomes and Harit provide the creativity. In attack, Gouiri, Maupay, K. Abdallah, Moumbagna, Mmadi and Paixao complete the picture.

With this mix of experience and young prospects, Genesio will be able to rely on a full squad to face Besiktas. OM therefore knows what awaits them at Besiktas to launch their European campaign.

This contrast between the stability of the starting eleven and the introduction of two newcomers reveals the club's desire to prepare for the future while remaining competitive from the first match.