Sampaoli on Delort: 'We're interested' | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille coach Jorge Sampaoli has confirmed his interest in signing Montpellier captain Andy Delort, speaking ahead of Saturday evening's home game with Saint-Etienne.

MARSEILLE - SAINT-ETIENNE (kick-off 19:00 GMT on Saturday)

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The Argentinian boss told a press conference: "He's a forward that interests us and he has very good qualities in front of goal. He's a courageous player and I've always seen him as OM's number 9 but there are also things that are impossible with the market prices. It's almost impossible today, but maybe in the closing instants of the transfer window the door will open. We haven't sold many players so it's difficult to buy."

Marseille have taken four points from their two completed matches this season and Mattéo Guendouzi, on loan from Arsenal, has already won over the Stade Vélodrome faithful with his ability and commitment. The midfielder said: "It makes me happy that the fans appreciate me a lot. I'll do my best so that that lasts. I've always fought for my club and today I identify myself a lot with my club Marseille, and I hope that the supporters can identify with me too."

Guendouzi: "We will progress"

Sampaoli is an exponent of spectacular, possession-based football and Guendouzi commented: "We're a side that has the ball a lot and we're attack-minded. That's what the coach wants and that's what we want. We will progress."

Saint-Etienne have lost 41 times to Olympique de Marseille but have beaten them 49 times - both club highs. Last season Claude Puel's Verts managed to beat OM in both clashes and the ASSE coach said: "It's a bit special coming back to Marseille after we got a good result against them last season in a match behind closed doors. In a full stadium, it will be different. It's a challenge for my players as fans being back is very new. They're discovering different challenges linked to their job and the presence of fans is one of them. We want to live those moments."

Saint-Etienne have drawn their first three matches of the new campaign and Puel is wary of the challenge OM pose under Sampaoli: "We did well against them last season when they had different coaches for the two games. Since then, Marseille have strengthened by signing players and they've progressed in their play. Their first half at Nice was good even if they didn't get their reward. Their team showed good things and we'll have to raise our level of play."

Kolodziejczak: "We are very difficult to beat

Defender Timothée Kolodziejczak has been used at left-back by Puel this season and he commented: "We knew our start to the season, facing good clubs, would be difficult. We haven't won yet but we are very difficult to beat. We have progressed mentally compared to last season. We know that the season will be long and hard because a lot of teams are on a similar level, but our entire squad is pulling in the same direction."

Probable Teams:

Marseille: Mandanda (c), Saliba, Álvaro, Luan Peres; Lirola, Gueye, Guendouzi; Ünder, Gerson, Luis Henrique; Payet

Saint-Etienne: Green; Maçon, Moukoudi, Sow, Kolodziejczak; Camara (c), Neyou, Gourna-Douath; Nordin, Khazri, Bouanga

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