Figure of the day: 1989. For Olympique de Marseille, the last success in the Coupe de France dates back to this period.
A coronation that evokes another era, even before the Champions League 93 of Deschamps, Boli and others.
But after all these years, the wait is long, much too long.
Players, coaches and supporters are eager to add an eleventh Coupe de France to the list.
The importance of the Coupe de France
"In Marseille, the Cup is on everyone's mind."
In a few clicks, here is the slogan that can be found on the official Twitter account of Olympique de Marseille.
And these are not empty words.
This Wednesday, March 1, the Stade Vélodrome will host the quarter-final against Annecy (L2).
A meeting which has already broken a record, since the bar of 50,000 tickets sold has been crossed.
This is the best attendance in history at this stage of the competition.
At a press conference, Chancel Mbemba, who is returning to the group after his suspension against PSG in the league, wanted to
"thank the supporters"
.
Supporters who will be essential for this quarter-final.
“The Coupe de France is the goal of the club.
It's like that in Marseille.
It's not going to be easy, but we're going to fight until the end.
Annecy, an opponent within reach of OM?
After eliminating PSG in the round of 16 (2-1) at the end of a full match, Marseille has taken a good step in the ascent to the title of champion of France.
Especially since for this quarter-final, Marseille welcomes Annecy, resident of Ligue 2. A match which is not decided in advance and an opponent who will have to be respected, but who still remains to carry Olympians .
Laurent Guyot, coach of Annecy, knows that his team will not be favorites during this meeting.
“We are going to play in an emblematic stadium, against an emblematic team.
If they play with the same intensity and the same level as they produced against PSG
(2-1 victory for OM)
, it may be difficult for us because even Paris has not succeeded.
declared Laurent Guyot in a pre-match press conference.
After Rennes and PSG, it would be stupid not to qualify now
Igor Tudor
Before Chancel Mbemba, Igor Tudor confirmed it: this is a turning point in the season.
“It's a very important match, a Cup match that can allow us to qualify for the semi-finals.
We must not underestimate our opponent.
We have seen examples in the past of trick matches.
In the Cup, you always have to be ready,”
assured the Croatian technician at a press conference.
But despite the respect that the Marseille coach has for his opponent, Igor Tudor also admits that he
“believes in his players.
We have nothing to lose.
After PSG and Rennes, it would be stupid not to qualify.
Read alsoCoupe de France: monstrous in intensity and heart, OM offers (logically) PSG and climbs into the quarters
Getting back into the Cup after the championship
Beaten but not beaten.
Three days ago, Marseille suffered a bitter defeat at home against the Parisian rival (0-3).
A hard setback to swallow.
If successful, OM could come back to just two points behind PSG, promising a frenzied second game of the championship.
Unfortunately for all Provencals, Kylian Mbappé has decided otherwise.
Despite this setback, OM keep their heads on their shoulders.
The objectives are now clearly defined: to retain second place in Ligue 1 and win a title.
Because this title, the Marseille supporters have been waiting for it since 2012. Since this famous League Cup (which no longer exists today) won against Olympique Lyonnais, Marseille has not pocketed the slightest trophy.
An eternity.
