It is not yet time to think about the end-of-year celebrations, "panettone and champagne", warned OM coach Gennaro Gattuso on Tuesday, on the eve of his team's trip to Montpellier for the last match of 2023, on behalf of the 17th day of Ligue 1. “Montpellier is a team that scares people with its transitions. We're going to have to play a tough match and be awake. It's going to be very difficult. If we start thinking about the suitcase, dad, mom, children and grandparents, we are going to take a beating,” Gattuso declared at a press conference. “They can tear us apart. We must not think about panettone and champagne, otherwise we will get slapped. We have to arrive knowing what awaits us, be ready to sweat and put in a lot of effort,” added the Italian technician.
Thanks to a series of four victories in a row, OM returned to 6th place in the standings. A success in Montpellier could allow the Marseillais to move even closer to the Top 4, qualifying for the Champions League.