Neal Maupay opened up to RMC Sport about Marseille’s rocky start. Despite the poor run, the striker feels lucky to wear the OM badge and values fans who stay behind the squad and coach in this crisis.
From triumph to turmoil. After a 4‑0 thrashing of Strasbourg on opening day, hope surged. Yet with no summer signings, the victory turned into a grin that faded. Since that 21 August win at the Vélodrome, OM has suffered five straight defeats, sitting 17th before the trip to Troyes. Maupay stresses that fan backing is key to bouncing back.
“The crowd’s support is massive for us. I still remember the Paris FC game – we lost, but the fans cheered us on,” the forward told RMC Sport on Wednesday. “In Rennes the away stand was packed; we were down, yet they applauded for minutes. That kind of encouragement is vital this season, given the tough results.”
“A massive backing and we’re truly grateful.”
Even if they’re harsh on owner Frank McCourt and former executives, the ultras keep backing the team and Bruno Genesio’s staff – a genuine boost, says Maupay, amid the sporting crisis.
“Knowing they stand with us is a huge strength. They understand the club’s plight and see players giving everything on the pitch,” the Olympian striker added. “Sure, we haven’t delivered the results we wanted, but you can’t point to a player who’s only half‑hearted – they see the effort plainly.”
He continued: “That’s why they’re behind us. We all know football; if we keep dropping points, patience will wear thin, and that’s natural. We aim to repay that trust. Losing at home while supporters applaud is massive support, and we’re deeply grateful.”
“On a hâte de pouvoir renverser la situation pour eux.”
“In my view, the squad’s depth gives OM a real chance to turn the tide.”
Facing Troyes this Sunday to close the sixth round, OM will then host Olympiacos in the Europa League and travel to Angers. Three fixtures in eight days could let Genesio’s men regain confidence and find the winning path. The striker remains optimistic.
“We must believe in ourselves, tell ourselves ‘we’re quality players and we’ll win.’ Now it’s up to us to turn that belief into results on the field,” Maupay told RMC Sport. “It may sound paradoxical, but I’ve seen many positives in our games. The facts are clear – three points isn’t enough – yet the squad is improving, slowly grasping the coach’s demands.”
He concluded: “With our players and the quality we have, I’m convinced we’ll lift our heads. We’re stuck in a negative spiral; we need a spark, and I hope it comes soon. We train hard, trust ourselves and think ‘the next match will be the one.’ We go out wanting to give everything and leave with a win.”