Toulouse FC

Martínez Novell deploys a flexible 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, prioritizing possession and ball circulation from the back. Toulouse average high possession outside the top four, using short passing and technical wingers like Zakaria Aboukhlal and César Gelabert to stretch defenses. Their approach is methodical but can lack punch in the final third, relying on set-piece quality from new midfield anchor Niklas Schmidt. OM must prepare for:

• Strong wing play and 1v1 dribbling
• Danger at set-pieces, especially corners
• Composure building from the back

Despite technical progress, Toulouse remain vulnerable to aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Their high defensive line and commitment to playing out can invite mistakes under pressure; OM previously exploited this with a high press, forcing errors for easy goals. Toulouse also struggle to convert dominance into goals, sometimes lacking a clinical edge. OM should target turnovers in advanced areas, disrupt midfield rhythms, and expose Toulouse’s full-backs with direct runners. Focused, disciplined pressing and swift attacking transitions will be key to capitalizing on their structural risks.