Igor Paixao struggling at Marseille after Leeds United snub, Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘fixed ideas’ the problem

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Many at Leeds United thought Igor Paixao was set for a move to Yorkshire at one point in the summer. During a friendly, Leeds received word that a bid had been accepted for Paixao.

Graham Smyth shared how Leeds received an email from Marseille during the Paderborn friendly that confirmed a bid had been accepted for Paixao. But, Adam Underwood was never confident of a deal.

Paixao always preferred a move to France, and while he was willing to join Leeds, it all hinged on whether Marseille could agree a fee. At the last minute, with Leeds close, Marseille found the necessary £30.3m.

Since then, things have been tough for Paixao since choosing Marseille over Leeds. Injury occurred after his arrival and only his second start came on Friday, a 2-1 win away at Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg side.

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Bruno Cheyrou identifies problem Igor Paixao faces at Marseille

Marseille’s club-record signing now has the pressure of rediscovering the form that saw him have a hand in 37 goals last term for Feyenoord. Bruno Cheyrou explains why Paixao will find it difficult to do so.

Former Liverpool star Cheyrou was quoted by Foot01 as saying that under Roberto De Zerbi, Paixao may find the lack of freedom he has at Marseille could prevent him from replicating his Feyenoord form.

“He was more decisive and confident at Feyenoord. I don’t know what freedoms the coach gave him, but he now has to work with De Zerbi’s very fixed ideas. We saw him play on the right over Greenwood.

“But I prefer him on the left. I think his shooting quality will be useful to OM. It will be interesting against low blocks. Different qualities from [Timo] Weah, who needs space. He might find gaps in tight spaces.”

Igor Paixao is enduring the Jack Grealish conundrum

When Jack Grealish joined Man City, everyone expected him to go and become one of the world’s best players following his £100m move. Grealish struggled to shine under the tactics of Pep Guardiola.

At Aston Villa, Grealish was allowed to do what he wanted on the ball, and off the ball, his teammates covered for him. He had that freedom to produce magic. At City, he faced low blocks and instructions.

It has seen Grealish go on loan to Everton where, with some newfound freedom, won the August Player of the Month award in the Premier League. It sounds like Paixao is discovering the same problems.