Ahead of Marseille match: Martínez sees upturn at OM – Medina on key factors against former club

“Marseille are a top club; we have great respect for them,” said Carles Martínez at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon. The Spaniard added: “Yes, they still don’t have any points, but they are a very good side.” Marseille are currently 34th out of 36 in the UEL table, falling short of their own expectations. Martínez: “They made a lot of changes to their squad over the summer, and there was also a change of coaches. As I always say with regard to our own situation at Leverkusen: It’s about the process, and about improving a little bit every day. That, it seems to me, is what they’re managing to do.”

One example of this is their recent run of four consecutive wins in Ligue 1, which has seen Marseille climb from second-bottom – having won just one of their previous five matches – to their current sixth-place position. And Martinez is well aware of this: “They’re a strong side; it will be a tough match.”

Personnel: Flekken in goal – Badé in the squad

Talking about the matchday squad, the coach revealed that Mark Flekken would be in goal and Loïc Badé will be back in the squad. Martínez went on to explain: “As for the other players currently unavailable, the situation varies. Regarding Kofi (Christian Kofane, ed.), we’re yet to make a decision. As for Eli (Eliesse Ben Seghir, ed.) and Guéla (Guéla Doué, ed.), we hope they will be back after the international break. But of course, you can’t say for certain.”

Speaking about Kennet Eichhorn, who was back in training for the first time at Leverkusen this week, the Spaniard said: “He’ll be taking it step by step now. It’s difficult to say when the next steps will come. He’ll take them when he feels ready. The most important thing is that he’s in good spirits. And he is.”

When asked about Facundo Medina, Martínez said: “When I spoke to him back then to persuade him to join us at Bayer 04, we talked a lot about his energy and attitude, which are a huge asset to any team. He brings so much to the team and is always pushing his teammates on. He’s not just here at Leverkusen to be a defensive player, but also to help out as a person through his attitude.”

Medina: "think big, stay humble"

The Argentine then took his place on the top table. The defender, who joined Leverkusen from Marseille in the summer, said of his former club: “They’re a team with lots of experienced players. It will be a physical battle and the small details will make all the difference. But if we go into the match with the right attitude, we will pick up the three points!” What matters most to the 27-year-old is: “We want to put right the mistakes we’ve made at times in recent matches.”

When asked about the team’s objectives in the Europa League, Medina said: “I don’t like to talk about the future. We’re taking it one match at a time. Of course, we want to win every one of them and, ultimately, achieve the best possible result in every competition. We’re thinking big, but at the same time we’re staying humble.”

On his fellow countryman Ezequiel Fernández, who has also been called up to the Argentina squad and who, after the weekend, will be away on international duty, Medina said: “I’m delighted to have been called up again, and even more so that Equi has been selected alongside me. He’s making really good progress. He’s a good bloke and absolutely deserves it. He gives his all for this club.”

Tickets available – U19s play marseille U19s

Around 28,000 fans will be watching the first ever competitive match between the two clubs at the BayArena, with 1,500 travelling from Marseille. If you would still like to buy tickets: Visit the web shop HERE.

Ahead of the match, the U19s will also be taking part in a top-level international friendly. The Leverkusen youth side will face Marseille’s youth team at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 14:00 CET. Admission for fans is free. The match will not be streamed live.