Genesio demands 'proactive approach' from Marseille

The 2026-27 Ligue 1 season begins on Friday as Marseille host Strasbourg, and Bruno Genesio has big plans for his side.

Bruno Genesio has demanded a "proactive approach" from his Marseille side as they prepare to face Strasbourg in the opening game of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season.

Genesio was appointed head coach earlier this summer, following his departure from Lille, and he brings plenty of experience with him.

The 59-year-old has taken charge of 299 Ligue 1 matches across spells with Rennes, Lyon and Lille, winning 160 of those games (D60 L79) and seeing his side score 568 goals.

Genesio is set to become the fourth manager to take charge of both Lyon and Marseille, following Lucien Troupel, Alain Perrin and Rudi Garcia.

Ahead of their season opener against Strasbourg, Genesio revealed what he wants to see from his Marseille team this season.

"I demand a proactive approach, with a high-pressing block, attacking principles, and a clear team and playing identity," said Genesio.

"I felt real progress during pre-season. I can tell the players have bought in, understood, and improved.

"There are still things to work on, that's natural. I'm overall satisfied but we need to prove it in the league. We mustn't read too much into things just yet.

"Every start of a season, we're facing a blank page. We've had training sessions and pre-season matches that have given us plenty of encouragement — in terms of commitment and in terms of content.

"There are more positives than negatives. We're eager because what drives us is competition. There's an element of uncertainty. But we're going into this first match with real desire."

Strasbourg, who finished eighth last season, will also be under new management following Gary O'Neil's exit to Ipswich Town.

Hugo Oliveira is set to make his debut as Strasbourg boss. Last season, his Famalicao side kept 17 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga, the second-most behind Porto (21).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marseille – Amine Gouiri

After both Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Marseille this summer, the onus will be on Amine Gouiri to step up.

Gouiri directly contributed to 16 goals (11 goals and five assists) in just 28 games last season for Marseille.

Strasbourg – Diogo Sousa

Midfielder Diogo Sousa could make his Ligue 1 debut for Strasbourg.

In the 2025-26 Primeira Liga, no player had a higher dribble success rate than him (75.0% - 24/32), among those who attempted more than 25.

MATCH PREDICTION – MARSEILLE WIN

Marseille are set to play their 77th season in Ligue 1, seven more than any other team. Strasbourg are beginning their 66th campaign in the top flight, joining Sochaux in ninth place for the most seasons spent in the division.

Marseille have won five of their last six opening matches of a Ligue 1 season, although they lost the most recent one away to Rennes (0-1).

Nevertheless, Marseille have not lost any of their last 18 home league games against Strasbourg (W10 D8), since a 0-1 defeat in March 1997.

Among teams currently in Ligue 1, they are only on a longer unbeaten home run against Le Havre (21).

However, Strasbourg have not lost any of their last six away games in Ligue 1 (W3 D3), their longest such run since between May and September 1993 (eight). In 2026, only Lille (19) and Paris Saint-Germain (18) have picked up more away points in Ligue 1 than Strasbourg (16).