Folarin Balogun describes Marseille atmosphere as a “zombie apocalypse”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with beIN Sport, Stade de Reims forward Folarin Balogun (21), currently on loan from Arsenal, described the atmosphere at Olympique de Marseille’s Vélodrome stadium as being like a “zombie apocalypse.”

Balogun is on a season-long loan from Arsenal and has impressed in his debut season in Ligue 1. Only Kylian Mbappé (19) and Jonathan David (19) have more goals than Balogun (16). However, that form wasn’t enough to earn him a call-up to the England team, and the Arsenal loanee will have to content himself with a place in the England U21 side. 

Balogun has already defended the quality of Ligue 1 football and has questioned the lack of respect that the championship gets, especially from online circles. The Reims forward has also now praised the Ligue 1 matchday experience, notably complimenting the atmosphere at Marseille’s Vélodrome stadium. 

Reims faced Marseille in the first game of the season, and lost 4-1, although Balogun scored a late consolation for Les Rémois. Despite the defeat, Balogun praised the atmosphere at the game. “I remember coming on for my debut at Marseille and the atmosphere there was really something I haven’t experienced before. It was absolutely crazy. It was just like going into a zombie apocalypse. It was something I haven’t seen before. I’ve played in hostile grounds in England, but for sure Marseille away for me was a very crazy game,” he said. 

Reims and Balogun have a chance to avenge that opening day defeat when they host Les Phocéens on Sunday evening. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

GFFN | Luke Entwistle