Since leaving Italy, Tocopillano has entered his 117th season with Olympique de Marseille, reinforcing a long and storied career with Les Phocéens.
Alexis Sánchez is now in France with Olympique de Marseille, returning to a club of global stature that aims to compete at the highest level in every event it enters.
INTENSITY — Our Olympians are on the training pitch today, focused on the return to competition. pic.twitter.com/K9iv5ULEcx
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) August 4, 2022
El Niño Maravilla, who finished his stint with Inter, is preparing to meet Lionel Messi again in Le Classique and to continue the cherished rivalry and partnership that has tied them as teammates and adversaries over the years.
During July, the pre-season began unevenly as Marseille adjusted to changes after the departure of coach Jorge Sampaoli. They defeated Marignane Gignac 4-1, but also lost to Norwich 3-0 and to Middlesbrough 2-0, while drawing 1-1 with Real Betis and falling 2-0 to Milan. Marseille eyed a strong run in Ligue 1 and a deep Champions League campaign, in a group that includes Eintracht Frankfurt, Tottenham, and Sporting CP, along with a fresh Coupe de France run to defend their domestic title. The path proved challenging as European opponents tested their limits, but the team earned redemption with a victory against Sporting CP, marked by Sánchez scoring, and a 2-0 win over Eintracht in Frankfurt, signaling resilience in key fixtures.
After a 4-1 win over Reims in Ligue 1, Sánchez featured in the match against Brest. He started for the first time against Nantes, and went on to score twice against Nice, delivered a deft finish against Auxerre, and contributed to the win over Lille with an early draw in the result.
Even though Marseille fell 1-0 to PSG, the team remained competitive and continued chasing top form in Ligue 1. The campaign featured important results, including a victory over Monaco and a decisive 6-1 win against Toulouse, which helped Marseille secure a higher standing in the table. In the Coupe de France, Sánchez delivered a Panenka-style goal in the 32nd round against Hyères, adding to Marseille’s progress. In the league, Marseille showed strong moments with Sánchez contributing, and he played a pivotal role in matches against Lorient, Rennes, and Monaco, as the team aimed to rebound in each fixture and maintain momentum toward European qualification and domestic success. He provided assists and goals at crucial moments, including a goal against PSG that helped Marseille reach the Coupe de France quarter-finals and a double against Clermont in an away game, underscoring his impact in important clashes.
The season also included a surprising exit from the Coupe de France against Annecy on penalties and a league setback against PSG. Recoveries came with a disciplined performance against Rennes, maintaining Marseille’s pursuit of a top-four finish in Ligue 1. The club celebrated several outstanding performances with Sánchez contributing to significant comebacks, including remarkable late goals against Reims during an away victory.
- Next, at GOAL, the numbers of Sánchez in his first campaign in French football and the teammates he will join under the guidance of Igor Tudor are highlighted for fans and analysts alike.
THE STATISTICS OF ALEXIS
Detailed goals and contributions by Sánchez for OM are tracked to illustrate his impact across competitions.
OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE: THE SQUAD 2022/2023
In Les Olympiens 117th campaign, veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda leaves a lasting mark as a club icon, with Radonjic, Targhalline, and Luis Henrique departing on loan. Financial activity reflects the club’s strategy with Pau López, Guendouzi, Ünder, Milik, Clauss, Suarez, Blanco, Tavares, and Mbemba among the key acquisitions, with several players brought in on permanent deals after previously arriving on loan.
THE TEAM’S PALMARES
Ligue 1 titles: 1936/37, 1947/48, 1970/71, 1971/72, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 2009/10
Champions League: 1992/93
Intertoto Cup: 2005
Coupe de France: 1923/24, 1925/26, 1926/27, 1934/35, 1937/38, 1942/43, 1968/68, 1971/72, 1975/76, 1988/89
Coupe de la Ligue: 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12
Champions Trophy: 1971, 2010, 2011
Charles Drago Cup: 1957
Ligue 2: 1994/95
Source: Goals