The Olympique de Marseille women's football team (OM Féminine) has embraced the new year with significant activities as they venture for growth and competitive insight during their winter training camp in Italy. Currently, the team is facing Italian Serie A opposition, taking on Côme and the renowned Juventus to bolster their preparation for the second half of the season.
On January 3, the team kicked off their winter preparation with the first match against Côme, which they participated in on January 4. Despite their intention to refine their skills and strengthen team cohesion, they faced tough competition and concluded the game with a 3-1 loss. Their performance, though marked with missed opportunities—including two goals disallowed—offered them valuable lessons on tackling formidable opponents.
Marie-Charlotte Léger was the lone goal-scorer for the Marseillaises, stepping up to score the only goal for her side, demonstrating her potential as they fought back more fiercely after the break.
After their encounter with Côme, the team shifted to Turin to prepare for the next challenge against Juventus on January 6. Known for their dominance within Serie A, Juventus is currently leading the league. This final match of their Italian training camp is pegged as not just another game, but rather as a premier learning opportunity, allowing the players to gauge their abilities against elite competition.
Frédéric Gonçalves, the head coach, noted the importance of this training experience. He emphasized the value of learning from top teams and the importance of building team cohesion before the upcoming matches of the league. He expressed: “Preparing the young players for the rigorous demands of higher competition is our priority, and training alongside reputable teams helps solidify our strategy.”
To bolster their squad, the club recently signed goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi, who made her debut during the match against Côme. N’Gazi, who previously showcased her skills with Fleury, has added strength to the team’s defense as they aim for promotion. She replaced Charlotte Verdier at halftime of the Côme game, marking her first appearance with the Olympique de Marseille colors.
The matches against Côme and Juventus serve as part of their strategy to turn the tides after trailing slightly behind their competitors following nine rounds of the Division 2 league. The coaching staff has been clear about their ambitions to climb to the Premier League, hinting at the potential the team possesses. “We have the talent; we need to polish the attributes and ready ourselves to challenge at the top for the upcoming season,” said Gonçalves.
While the initial results may not have ignited immediate triumphs, the experience gained through these matches is invaluable. The entire squad is excited about the Juventus clash, viewing it as both a significant test of their skills and as fruition of their training efforts. On January 6, they look forward to stepping onto the pitch, ready to challenge the reigning champions.
With optimism and ambition, the Olympique de Marseille women's team aims not only to finish the current season strong but to develop solid foundations for future success. They are determined to create history as they establish their presence within the highly competitive environment of women's football.