Ayew Urges Caution as Marseille Extend Winning Streak Under Bielsa
Olympique de Marseille’s revival under Marcelo Bielsa continued on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS Saint-Étienne, marking the club’s sixth consecutive win in Ligue 1 and solidifying their place among the early frontrunners this season.
The result, secured at the Stade Vélodrome on matchday eight, is the latest in a string of encouraging performances that have fans daring to believe in a return to former glories. Yet, amid the growing optimism, midfielder André Ayew has struck a note of caution.
Speaking after the match, the Ghanaian international praised his team’s spirit but warned against complacency. “We knew it was a big game, and we wanted to keep our winning run going,” Ayew told Canal+. “The state of mind was good, and we gave everything.”
Ayew, who has played a key role in Marseille’s recent resurgence, acknowledged the excitement surrounding the team’s form, but stressed the importance of maintaining focus and consistency. “The second half was more difficult because we conceded early,” he noted. “We had the chance to put the game to bed and didn’t take it. If we don’t give 100%, we won’t get results.”
Marseille took control early in the match, displaying the high-intensity, pressing football that has become a hallmark of Bielsa’s management. Despite dominating much of the first half, they struggled to maintain their grip after the break, allowing Saint-Étienne back into the contest with a goal that exposed some defensive frailties.
It’s a concern not lost on Ayew, who—while proud of the team’s progress—emphasised the fine margins that separate success from setback in top-flight football. “We’ve had a great start, but it doesn’t take much to disrupt a good run,” he said.
Ayew, the son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pelé, has emerged as a vocal leader in the dressing room, helping to guide a relatively young squad through the demanding pace of France’s top division. His maturity and awareness of the long season ahead reflect both personal experience and a deep understanding of the club’s ambitions.
Bielsa, who took the reins at OM earlier this season, has already begun to leave his mark. Known for his tactical rigour and intensity on the sidelines, the Argentine coach has brought structure and purpose to a side that struggled for consistency in recent years. Under his guidance, Marseille appear reinvigorated—both tactically and emotionally.
The fans, long craving stability and excitement, have responded in kind, returning in strong numbers to the Vélodrome and bringing a renewed sense of unity to the club.
Still, as Ayew rightly points out, maintaining this momentum will require more than just passion and a strong start. “We must stay humble, keep working, and not get ahead of ourselves,” he said.
For now, Marseille remain on course—but the real test will be sustaining their form through the months ahead.
