OM – Matt O’Riley before Ajax: “A privilege to play in front of these supporters”

The context: OM–Ajax, a highly anticipated clash

Thursday night (9:00 p.m.), the Orange Vélodrome will ignite as it hosts Ajax Amsterdam in the 2nd round of the Champions League. After the opener at the Bernabéu, OM finally returns to European competition at home. And it was Matt O’Riley, the Danish midfielder on loan from Brighton, who appeared at the pre-match press conference. Already established as a starter, the Marseille number 17 shared his feelings on his integration, his role in midfield, and his European ambitions.

O’Riley captivated by the Marseille atmosphere

Asked about parallels with his time at Celtic, O’Riley immediately highlighted the unique passion surrounding OM:

“I need more time here to compare, but they are both massive and passionate clubs. It’s a privilege to play in front of these fans. There’s pressure, but I enjoy that responsibility.”

Already charmed by the fiery Vélodrome, he knows this support can be decisive in a Champions League match.

Victory as the only option

Against Ajax, there’s no room for hesitation. O’Riley emphasized the team’s winning mentality:

“We try to win every game. The mindset has to focus on victory but also on performance, that’s how we’ll get results. Tomorrow is a good test to show it.”

The message is clear: OM wants to make a big statement and kick-start its European campaign at home.

Rapid adaptation and a strong connection with Højbjerg

Having arrived this summer, O’Riley has impressed with how quickly he settled in, thanks in large part to Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, with whom he shares the Danish national midfield:

“I can play anywhere in midfield, adaptability is very important. With Pierre, we have a very good relationship. We understand each other on and off the pitch.”

That chemistry could be one of the keys to controlling the midfield battle against the Dutch side.

New signings connected on and off the pitch

The former Brighton player also emphasized the quality within the dressing room, where the new arrivals have blended seamlessly into the group:

“We’ve signed a lot of good players, but above all a lot of good people. We’re connected on and off the pitch. It makes performing as a team easier.”

A statement that reflects the fresh mindset instilled by De Zerbi since the end of the transfer window.

The key role of the Vélodrome

Finally, O’Riley made a point of underlining how crucial fan support is:

“The supporters really make a difference, we saw it against PSG, the way we started the game… It helps us push forward, as if it were an extra player.”

The date is set: this Thursday, OM will count on its 60,000 loyal fans to drive the team forward and secure a first European win of the season.

In summary: O’Riley is already establishing himself as a quiet but valuable leader. Ahead of facing Ajax, he delivered a clear message: ambition, togetherness, and passion will be the three pillars to dominate the European night at the Vélodrome.