Marseille’s 1-0 triumph in Leverkusen was a lift, yet Igor Paixao still looks adrift. Is the Brazilian’s lack of fire a sign of deeper trouble? Genesio stepped in on Saturday, pledging full support for the winger.
A stunning Amine Gouiri strike, a reclaimed defensive shape and finally a European win marked Thursday’s visit to Bayer Leverkusen. After a painful start, the Olympians showed a near‑perfect night, though Paixao seemed a step behind his teammates.
Generous in work‑rate, the Brazilian winger also handed fans and pundits countless mis‑passes and lost balls. Mis‑communication with colleagues like Gouiri and Hojbjerg showed up repeatedly, and for the ninth time in twelve games this season he failed to decide a match.
Defensive drops, but just two goals in twelve outings
“There’s no issue,” Genesio told the press on Saturday before the Lens clash. “People judge Igor by stats, but I see his commitment. He helped Ulisses Garcia repeatedly, dropped back like a fifth defender – exactly what I asked. He’s now scoring, trying, and not over‑playing. He’s improving clearly.”
Even after a tense moment in Troyes last October, when Paixao balked at being subbed off, Genesio kept faith and publicly defended him, as he routinely does. Apart from a recent pep‑talk aimed at young players, the former Lyon and Lille boss has stayed true to his line.
His behavior? “I find him highly involved for the collective and the team.”
The club fought hard last summer to keep Paixao, rejecting Sunderland’s advances despite financial strain. Yet with only two goals and one assist in twelve games, his quarter‑season tally feels lightweight.
Beyond the pitch, Paixao’s attitude sometimes irks supporters both at home and in the stadium. Still, Genesio refused to single him out, saying the player has digested his bench time and now shows strong collective involvement. Marseille heads to Lens on a four‑game winning streak, easing concerns over his limited output.