A Sunderland-linked winger has struggled to find form in Ligue 1 this season.
Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio has admitted winger Igor Paixão ‘hasn’t quite come to terms’ with a failed move to Sunderland during the summer transfer window.
The former Feyenoord star enjoyed a stellar first season at the Stade Velodrome as he plundered his way to 12 goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances in all competitions. That return triggered interest from a number of clubs during the summer and reports suggested Sunderland had moved close to winning the race for his services as the Black Cats looked to strengthen Regis Le Bris’ options in wide areas after of their historic Europa League campaign.
Marseille's Igor Paixao impressed in Ligue 1 last seasonplaceholder image
Marseille's Igor Paixao impressed in Ligue 1 last season | AFP via Getty Images
However, Paixão remained with Marseille and has struggled to make an impact during the early months of the current season after providing just a solitary assist and failing to find the net in six appearances in all competitions. The former Brazil Under-23 international has spoken of the possibility of leaving Marseille during one of the next two transfer windows earlier this month and admitted there is ‘a better chance’ of a summer move.
“This window was a bit intense, when the club put everyone up for sale,” Paixão told Brazilian outlet Band. “I didn’t really want to leave, I don’t want to leave. I also chose to stay to help my team. We couldn’t sign players, so there wouldn’t have been anyone to replace me. It’s also a dream to play in the Premier League. Winter transfer window? I don’t know, it’s difficult because in January the teams are already formed. There’s a better chance I will leave next summer.”
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‘Igor could have, should have, gone to Sunderland’ - Bruno Genesio
Marseille head coach Bruno Genesioplaceholder image
Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio | AFP via Getty Images
For now, Paixão will focus on his attempts to kickstart an upturn in form when Marseille host Greek giants Olympiakos on matchday two of their Europa League campaign on Thursday as his side look to bounce back from the 4-1 defeat they suffered at Besiktas in their opening fixture of this season’s competition.
Marseille head coach Genesio has opened up on the winger’s form so far this season and suggested the frustration caused by his potential move to Sunderland not coming to fruition could have made an impact.
As per GFFN, the Marseille boss said: “There’s no problem with him. There’s always an explanation for everything. As you know, Igor could have, and should have, gone to Sunderland, but it didn’t happen for various reasons. Perhaps he hasn’t quite come to terms with that frustration yet. There’s a lot of talk about his attacking output; let’s be honest, he’s not producing the same attacking output as he once did.
“But in terms of his commitment, he hasn’t changed – he makes defensive runs and comes back to help his left-back. He’s going through a period of doubt; it’s up to us to show him our confidence. It’s at times like this that he needs our support to regain his confidence. He knows he can count on us. Sometimes it doesn’t take much – just a little spark, a goal.”
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