Beye hopeful of Europe spot finish

Olympique Marseille manager Habib Beye is still hopeful of securing a European football spot despite their recent draw against Nice.

Although the manager admitted that their destiny is not in their own hands as things stand 

Marseille are currently 6th on the Ligue 1 standings, three points adrift of Rennes, that occupied the 5th spot for the Europa Conference League. 

Beye is now calling on his players to persevere until the end of the season, as there are three more games left to complete the season. 

“We mustn’t give up. There are nine points up for grabs. It’s slipping away. Today, we don’t control our own destiny; we know that, but the reality in football is that as long as nothing is lost, we can’t hang our heads and resign ourselves. It’s going to be tough, that’s for sure. Right now, the momentum isn’t good. 

That’s very clear, but we have to keep working and never give up because this club deserves our full focus and concentration,” he said after the game.

Pressure is piling on the Marseille boss, having lost the week 30 fixture 2-0 against Lorient.

Noting that there was a reaction, Beye lauded his side for being aggressive, winning back a lot of balls in their half, and creating chances. 

He admitted that Marseille punished themselves with that penalty, making it very difficult to accept, given how the match unfolded.

Lauding his lad for their attitude, which he described as impeccable, but dropped their intensity towards the end of the game, which became costly.

“When you’re an impact player, you’re expected to come on with the same determination as those who have been on the pitch for 75 minutes. As I said, for me, that’s not enough.”

“Some people can always complain, but when you come into a match like this, you have to come on with the intensity of the game, you have to come on with the importance of the match in mind. I don’t think that was the case for us towards the end of the game.” He said.

Marseille will be hoping that one of the top five slip up while they win their remaining games, making each game a final.

“We are not going to give up; we’re going to stay focused on our work, like we’ve been doing, like diehards, because it’s this work that will allow us to get through these next three matches.”

“We have two choices. Either we give up and let this season slip away, or we might finish fifth, sixth, or seventh. Or we stay focused until the end, and the reality is that we’ll challenge everyone else.”

They will have to get a maximum of points at Nantes next Saturday to at least raise their hopes.

Their last two games are away at Le Havre and home against Rennes, which could be a decider for the 5th spot if they succeed in winning their week 32 and 33 ties.