Inconsistent but committed: Genesio defends Igor Paixao after Leverkusen display

Marseille manager Bruno Genesio defended winger Igor Paixao after a below-par display at Leverkusen, praising his defensive work and commitment despite limited goal contributions this season.

Marseille secured an impressive 1-0 victory at Bayer Leverkusen in Europa League on Thursday, with Amine Gouiri scoring a fine goal. However, winger Igor Paixao struggled to match his teammates' performance, making several poor passes and losing possession repeatedly. The Brazilian also failed to be decisive for the ninth time in twelve matches this season.

At his pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of the Lens fixture, manager Bruno Genesio moved to defend Paixao. "There's no problem," Genesio said. "I think we judge Igor's performances too much on statistics. What I see and judge is his commitment to the team.

At Leverkusen, he helped Ulisses Garcia multiple times and made defensive runs like a fifth defender, which is as important as scoring or assisting. He's made clear progress." Genesio noted that Paixao has recently scored and is attempting things, and dismissed suggestions he is overplaying.

The manager's public backing comes despite some tension between the pair in early October when Paixao struggled to accept being substituted. Marseille rejected approaches from Sunderland in the summer to keep the winger, but with just two goals and one assist in twelve games, his output remains modest. Genesio suggested Paixao has now moved past his disappointment at not leaving the club.