Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd criticized after Marseille’s loss to Brest

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Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd criticized after Marseille's loss to Brest

Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd came under intense scrutiny after Olympique de Marseille suffered a 2–0 defeat to Stade Brestois in Friday’s Ligue 1 clash.

The game was effectively sealed by Ludovic Ajorque, who dominated the Marseille defense with two towering headers inside the first 30 minutes.

Following the loss, French media were quick to criticise Marseille’s central defenders, Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard, for being repeatedly outmanoeuvred in aerial duels.

Regional newspaper La Provence described Aguerd’s display as “calamitous,” giving him a harsh 1.5/10 rating. Analysts highlighted frequent positional mistakes, repeated losses in one-on-one battles, and a lack of composure whenever crosses entered the box.

The scrutiny extended beyond tactical errors, raising questions about Aguerd’s physical readiness. Having recently returned from an adductor injury, he appeared a step behind throughout the match, lacking his usual explosiveness and slow to react in the air—critical attributes for a central defender responsible for organizing the back line.

Aguerd’s difficulties at Marseille stem largely from a season interrupted by recurring injuries, particularly a chronic groin condition (pubalgia) that worsened in November 2025.

The setback forced him to miss multiple matches and required careful management by both Olympique Marseille and the Moroccan national team medical staff.

Just weeks before facing Brest, Aguerd was sidelined on February 3 for a Coupe de France tie against Rennes due to an adductor issue, only returning to full training on February 10.

Compounding the problem, he played every minute—690 in total—for Morocco during the 2025 AFCON, despite entering the tournament with lingering fitness concerns. French commentators noted he appeared physically drained, suggesting he was “still at the AFCON” in terms of fatigue.