Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd among Marseille players criticised after defeat to Stade Brestois

Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has come under intense scrutiny after Olympique de Marseille suffered a 2-0 defeat to Stade Brestois 29 in Ligue 1 on Friday night.

The encounter was effectively settled inside the opening half hour, with Ludovic Ajorque dominating the penalty area and scoring twice with powerful headers. His aerial superiority exposed Marseille’s defensive frailties and left the visitors struggling to recover.

In the aftermath, sections of the French media directed sharp criticism at Marseille’s central defensive pairing of Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard.

The duo were widely judged to have been overwhelmed by Brest’s physical approach and relentless deliveries into the box.

Regional publication La Provence did not mince words, branding Aguerd’s display as “calamitous” and handing him a brutal 1.5 out of 10 rating.

Pundits pointed to repeated positional lapses, a string of lost duels, and a noticeable inability to cope whenever crosses were launched into dangerous areas.

For Marseille, the defeat raises fresh concerns about defensive solidity, while Aguerd in particular will be eager to respond strongly in the coming fixtures.