Gianni Imbula Emerges as Key Figure in Marseille’s Revival
Since the start of the season, Gianni Imbula has transformed into a pivotal figure for Olympique de Marseille, embodying the team’s resurgence under new management.
The 22-year-old Franco-Congolese midfielder has established himself as an undisputed starter, drawing on the lessons learned during his challenging debut season under Marcelo Bielsa. Reflecting on his journey, Imbula told Le Parisien: “What player, who is on the bench and doesn’t come on, can smile? Everyone hides their emotions as best they can! I’m like that, it’s my way of interpreting things. I don’t know how to be hypocritical, I can’t lie to myself by smiling at someone when I’m angry.”
On the pitch, Imbula’s versatility has been a major asset. “Sometimes I’m asked to organize play just in front of the defence; other times, I play as a number 8, a link in midfield who attacks more. I can switch between roles, though I admit I need support when I’m up against two opposing midfielders,” he explained.
Off the field, Imbula has gained a deeper understanding of the unique pressures of playing in Marseille, which starkly contrasted with his previous experience at Guingamp. “At Guingamp, it was just football, home, and sleep. Here in Marseille, people have big mouths — journalists, the public. It surprised me at first how much people talk about you without really knowing. It didn’t offend me — I’m a grown man and I take serious criticism personally, but the rest… I’ve judged others myself without knowing them, so I’m not fragile.”
This maturity and growth have made Imbula an indispensable part of Marseille’s squad, underscoring why club president Vincent Labrune refused a lucrative offer from a major Italian club this summer.
