FOOTBALL – OM : New shock announcement of Mandanda on the Longoria’s Mercato

OM recruited a young Goalkeeper, Pau Lopez, this summer, to bring competition to Steve Mandanda. The latter sees no problem, especially after the free departure of Yohann Pele.

OM: Mandanda, “Pau Lopez has arrived, it’s normal”

Before the first match of Ligue 1 of OM this season against Montpellier HSC, Sunday night (20:45), Steve Mandanda returned on the arrival of Pau Lopez from AS Roma. According to him, the Spanish Goalkeeper did not necessarily come to take his place, but rather that of Yohann Pele, who left the club freely at the end of his contract. “Pau arrived, it’s something normal. From the moment Yohann Pele was no longer under contract, it was necessary to take a Goalkeeper,” said the No. 1 keeper of Olympique the Marseille.

“I already had a conversation with the president Pablo Longoria long before all this, so I knew that someone was coming. It’s soccer, it’s normal, positions have to be doubled. The team must be able to perform,” explained Steve Mandanda. The last bastion of the OM insisted on the natural arrival of Pau Lopez, in press conference. “For me, it is logical and natural that a goalkeeper has arrived this season.

Note that Pau Lopez was loaned by Roma (Serie A) to the Phocéens for the season 2021-2022. A paid loan for an amount of 720,000 € according to the estimate of Transfermarkt.

Goalkeeper appreciates arrival of reinforcements

Steve Mandanda also spoke about the Marseille group reinforced by 7 new players during this summer mercato. He assures that the management of OM has been well inspired in strengthening the team housed at the Velodrome, because the need was felt since. “It’s true that there have been many changes compared to last season’s group. I think it’s a good thing, there was a need to change and I think it was very well done. In any case, we have a fairly balanced group with a lot of experienced players and young people, but young people who have a lot of experience. It’s good to have this kind of staff,” said the 36-year-old Goalkeeper.

For the new players of OM, they are : Gerson, Mattéo Guenzouzi, Cengiz Ünder, Luan Peres Petroni, Konrad de la Fuente, William Saliba and obviously Pau Lopez.