Genesio defends Paixao ahead of Lens trip: "We judge him too much on stats"

Bruno Genesio publicly backed Igor Paixao at his press conference on Saturday, ahead of Olympique de Marseille’s trip to Stade Bollaert-Delelis to face RC Lens (Sunday, 20:45).

The Marseille manager dismissed criticism aimed at his winger, whose offensive statistics remain modest. “There’s no issue whatsoever, quite the opposite. I think we judge Igor’s performances too much on stats: goals, assists. And what I see is the commitment he brings to the team,” he said.

Genesio notably cited Paixao’s performance in the Europa League victory at Leverkusen (0-1) as an example of this invisible work. “He came to help Ulisses Garcia multiple times, making defensive runs practically like a fifth defender, which is what I asked him to do before the match. And for me, that’s just as important as making an assist or scoring a goal.”

The Marseille manager also highlighted the player’s overall progression. “He’s scored recently, he’s trying things. I don’t think he’s overplaying. For me, he’s making clear progress. I think he’s settled in.”

This public backing comes in a favorable context for OM, who are on a run of four consecutive Ligue 1 wins. Marseille face a struggling Lens side, who were heavily beaten by Como in the Champions League 1-9.