His imminent return to OM arouses as much enthusiasm as questions. At 36, after a year in Saudi Arabia, does he still have the level? A coach who faced her on the spot decided to speak.
The soap is coming to an end. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will find Olympique de Marseille. A year after a departure that had left a bitter taste for supporters, the Gabonese striker returns for a last challenge, convinced by the project of Roberto de Zerbi. But a question burns all the lips: in what state of form is it? A year in the Saudi championship, as competitive as it has become, has the talent of a 36-year-old's talent dull? A privileged witness, who saw him closely last season, delivered his analysis.
“It will be very good”, the reassuring verdict of a coach on Aubameyang
This witness is Sabri Lamouchi. The former Al-Riyadh coach, who faced Aubameyang and his Al-Qadsiah club, does not revolve around the pot. “He has always been a physically monster”,
he assures in the columns of Provence. Lamouchi, who knows the house well for having been OM captain, is formal: ” Physically, it will be very good. It will just take a little time to find the rhythm of Ligue 1. ” He goes even further, scanning the doubts of a back of hand: “I have no problem to tell me that he can reproduce it at OM”. Strong words, which come from a direct and credible observer.
This analysis is corroborated by the player's entourage. One of his physical preparers, Gilles Marambaud, describes him as an impeccable professional, who “Know his body” and a “A requirement that everyone should have”. He even parallel with Alexis Sanchez. Athletes who, even over the years, have a work routine and an iron discipline.
“No problem to reproduce it at OM”: the strong sentence which validates the return of Aubameyang
A choice of heart and a physical challenge
This return to Marseille is above all a choice of heart for Aubameyang. He could have stayed in the comfort of the Gulf,
But the call of the Vélodrome and the De Zerbi project were stronger. He knows that the challenge is immense. The French Championship, as Lamouchi points out, is “One of the most physically demanding”. The staff of OM will not give him any gifts and has already concocted a specific program to put it back at the level.
The message is clear:
Aubameyang is not going back in pre-retirement. He returns to perform. The doubts about his level are legitimate, but the testimonies of those who have known him recently are unanimous. OM does not only recover a big name, but an athlete still ready to make the efforts. The velodrome is now waiting to see if the Word will turn into acts, and above all, in goals.
