Speaking ahead of Marseille’s match against Troyes tomorrow and in the wake of the Europa League win over Qarabağ, manager Jorge Sampaoli notably discussed Dimitri Payet’s role in his set-up.
His words transcribed in RMC Sport, the Argentine was responding to questions on the difficulties in establishing a formation that can use both Dimitri Payet and Arkadiusz Milik. The latter was an unused substitute in the midweek game, and had previously indirectly lamented his inconsistent game time.
“When we name the starting XI, the collective side is more important than looking to put two players together on the pitch, even if they are two important players in the final 30 metres. I think Dimitri’s best position is as a number 9 as he loses a bit of his capacity out wide.”
“There is a collective system which comes before placing two players on the pitch. Milik is very important in terms of finishing. The easiest things for me to do would be to put the big names on the pitch, but there is a collective system to find.”