Marseille step into their first match since Roberto De Zerbi’s exit with Jacques Abardonado demanding a fierce reaction against Strasbourg at Orange Velodrome, as the squad tries to repair confidence after the 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and protect a strong home record that keeps hopes alive in Ligue 1 and the French Cup.
De Zerbi departed by mutual consent on Monday after the heavy loss at Parc des Princes, a result that left Marseille 12 points behind Paris Saint-Germain and placed the club fourth in Ligue 1. That setback was their third league defeat in seven matches, matching the number of losses from their previous 19 top-flight fixtures.
Abardonado steps in on an interim basis while Marseille search for a permanent head coach, with
Habib Beye reported as the leading target despite a recent dismissal from Rennes. Tottenham have been linked with De Zerbi, yet inside Marseille attention is being directed towards Strasbourg and restoring belief within a squad described as wounded by the temporary boss.
Marseille’s league form has dipped, but Orange Velodrome remains a difficult venue for visitors. The team have won 10 of 15 home matches in all competitions this season, drawing two and losing three, matching the total number of home victories from the entire 2024-25 campaign, when they also drew five and lost three.
History favours Marseille in this fixture. Strasbourg have not won away to Marseille in any competition across the last 20 visits, with Marseille recording 11 victories and nine draws. The last three of those meetings at Orange Velodrome all ended level, suggesting Strasbourg can compete, but recent defensive numbers for the visitors remain a concern.
Strasbourg arrive with six defeats from their last 11 Ligue 1 matches, alongside three wins and two draws, equalling the number of losses from their previous 31 league games. Their away form is fragile, with just one victory in their last eight away league fixtures, a 4-1 success at Lille on 25 January, accompanied by two draws and five defeats.
Marseille vs Strasbourg Ligue 1 key stats
Strasbourg have historically struggled to contain Marseille’s attack in Ligue 1, conceding 171 goals against Marseille, more than against any other opponent in the competition. They have also kept only one clean sheet in their last 17 top-flight meetings with Marseille, during which they allowed 32 goals, highlighting the scale of the defensive challenge at Orange Velodrome.
Marseille’s broader league run has stuttered, with three defeats in their last seven Ligue 1 fixtures, alongside three wins and one draw. That run mirrors their previous 19 league outings, which produced 13 wins, three draws and only three defeats. The poor recent sequence played a direct part in De Zerbi’s departure from the club.
Abardonado described a dressing room feeling the effects of recent setbacks and stressed a need for unity. "I know the situation because I've been there before. I'm facing up to it. I found a wounded group," Abardonado told reporters, explaining how staff have tried to reset the mood before facing Strasbourg at a crucial stage of the season.
Detailing the staff approach, Abardonado said: "We tried to bring some positivity with simple things in order to approach the match against Strasbourg in the best possible way. The coach [De Zerbi] was wonderful; he accepted me into his inner circle of assistants. We'll see tomorrow what I'm going to change. We're going to take to the pitch with a winning attitude. We're all hungry for revenge; we'll face up to our responsibilities, me first and then the players. "
Official Statement from Olympique de Marseille https://t.co/0uqXFuPOah pic.twitter.com/v6DKdVPgP6Olympique de Marseille(@OM_English) February 11, 2026
Abardonado also made clear that the players share responsibility for the situation, noting that De Zerbi’s exit followed a collective downturn. "They are responsible, just as we all are. They feel responsible and want to make amends," Abardonado added. "We have to win the next match. They want to make up for it. They have that desire, they want to make an effort and there will be a reaction. "
Marseille vs Strasbourg Ligue 1 players to watch
As Marseille chase a response, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could reach a personal milestone. The midfielder is in line for a 50th Ligue 1 appearance and has become a key passer since joining, making 1,128 forward passes in the competition, the highest total over that period, and recording 669 line-breaking passes, second only to Vitinha’s 743.
Strasbourg’s main attacking threat again appears to be Martial Godo, who scored his 11th goal in all competitions this season during the recent match against Le Havre. Within the club, only Joaquin Panichelli, on 13 goals, has a higher tally. Among African players in Europe’s top five leagues, only Antoine Semenyo with 14 and Serhou Guirassy with 13 are ahead of Godo.
| Team | Player | Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marseille | Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg | Forward passes in Ligue 1 for Marseille | 1,128 |
| Marseille | Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg | Line-breaking passes for Marseille | 669 |
| Strasbourg | Martial Godo | Goals in all competitions this season | 11 |
| Strasbourg | Joaquin Panichelli | Goals in all competitions this season | 13 |
Marseille vs Strasbourg Ligue 1 prediction and probabilities
OPTA projections suggest Marseille are favourites, boosted by their commanding home record and Strasbourg’s recent away struggles. Marseille are given a 54.7% chance of victory, compared with a 22.3% probability of a draw and a 23% likelihood of a Strasbourg win, reflecting both Marseille’s dominance in past meetings and Strasbourg’s current inconsistency.
| Result | Win Probability |
|---|---|
| Marseille | 54.7% |
| Draw | 22.3% |
| Strasbourg | 23% |
Abardonado underlined that Marseille’s aims stretch beyond a single league fixture, with the French Cup also in view. "We have to, the championship isn't over. We have a French Cup quarter-final. We have to react and question ourselves every day," Abardonado said. "The players know they have to respond. The players have to enjoy themselves. You can always make up for it in football. We have to move forward. "
Marseille’s 5-0 defeat by Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain was the club’s heaviest loss in any competition since a 6-1 reverse at Monaco in Ligue 1 in August 2017, increasing pressure on the squad. Abardonado now seeks a strong display against Strasbourg to show that the players’ desire to respond matches the coach’s words and the expectations at Orange Velodrome.
