Brice Samba Reflects on OM’s Draw Against Bari and Marcelo Bielsa’s Influence
Olympique de Marseille’s reserve goalkeeper Brice Samba has shared his thoughts on the team’s 1-1 draw against Italian side Bari during Wednesday’s pre-season friendly, offering insight into the playing style and methods of new head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
“It was a good match. We came up against a strong side—you wouldn’t think they were in Serie B,” Samba told Sport.fr. “The coach had warned us that this would be our most physically demanding opponent so far, and he was right. He asked us to play aggressively but without going overboard, and I think we followed those instructions well.”
Samba, who came on for Steve Mandanda in the second half, praised Bielsa’s tactical approach and psychological presence on the sidelines.
“I think he chose this opponent deliberately to test us. We were really put under pressure,” he added. “He might seem calm on the bench, but I can tell he’s boiling inside—he really feels every moment of the game.”
The draw against Bari continues Marseille’s preparations under Bielsa, who is renowned for his intense coaching style and detailed match planning.
