FootballAbdelli praises and endorses the Genesio method at Olympique de Marseille (OM).
Fréderic Manet · 29 août 2026 · 3 min de lectureHimad Abdelli has turned the page on criticism. Against Strasbourg, the Algerian midfielder of Olympique de Marseille finally showed what he was capable of. In front of the microphones this Saturday, he openly discussed the adaptation difficulties he has faced since his arrival at the Vélodrome, as well as the importance of the physical demands imposed by Bruno Genesio. According to him, these demands are now bearing fruit.
A convincing performance to dispel doubts
The match against Strasbourg marked a turning point for Abdelli. After weeks of enduring criticism from supporters and observers, the player delivered a performance that reassured everyone. In the press conference, he admitted that it took him time to adapt to the fast-paced rhythm required by the French coach. But today, he fully embraces this method, even though it may have initially put him in difficulty. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I’m happy to see that it’s working,” he said, without citing specific figures. This evolution coincides with the club’s first positive results under Genesio’s leadership.
Genesio imposes physically demanding football
Bruno Genesio does not hide his ambition: to transform Olympique de Marseille into an enduring and combative team. Abdelli, who had to revise his approach to the game, confirms that the transition is tough but necessary. “The coach asks us to run a lot, that’s clear. But that’s how we progress,” he explained, without mentioning specific data about his own physical preparation. This philosophy is part of a broader desire by Genesio to restore a strong identity to the Marseille team, even if it means shaking up the players’ habits. An approach that is beginning to win over fans, even though competitive results remain inconsistent.
Olympique de Marseille in search of stability under Genesio
As Olympique de Marseille navigates between hope and disappointment, Genesio’s method seems to be finally finding a positive response. Abdelli, once criticized, is now becoming a key part of this dynamic. His words reflect a form of commitment, even though the Algerian midfielder remains cautious: “We are working hard, and it shows. Now, we just need to keep it up.” A philosophy that echoes that of other French clubs that have bet on intense physical play, such as
Klopp’s Liverpool or
Tottenham’s ambitions for next season. The question remains whether this evolution will be sustained over time. For now, Genesio can count on players like Abdelli to embody his vision of football. A vision that, according to the Algerian midfielder, is already bearing its first fruits.