Coming off a 3-1 win over Bordeaux - their first home win of the season - OM were in good spirits heading into their Champions League opener away to Olympiacos, but the dramatic late defeat now has the southern giants battling to stay in the race for the top two spots in Group C as the Matchday 2 visit of Manchester City looms next Tuesday.

'It puts us in a bit of trouble'

"We played a good match, and had a good opportunity at the beginning of the second half through Dario [Benedetto]," said AVB of his Argentine striker's missing out one-on-one against the home 'keeper.

Minutes later Georgios Masouras had a goal ruled out for off-side, and it seemed the match was set for a 0-0 conclusion. But then, in injury time former OM playmaker Mathieu Valbuena - in sparkling form against his old side - broke down the right and found substitute Ahmed Hassan to head home victoriously past Steve Mandanda.

"The first team that scored would likely win it. Unfortunately, it was Olympiakos," continued AVB. "It puts us in a bit of trouble, of course, before hosting City in our next match [Tuesday 27 October]."

Pressure on Porto reunion

The English side, group favourites, won their opener 3-1 over Porto, and will be looking to take a serious option on top spot with a win in Marseille next week. But AVB knows the City clash isn't the be all and end all.

"Porto also have zero points and will be desperate for points. The double-header against them will be essential, " said the Portuguese boss about the Matchday 3 and 4 clashes with his former club, before refocusing on next week's match. "We're going to set up something different against City, because of the strength of this team and their collective characteristics."

'I'm the one responsible'

Media figures were keen to know whether AVB felt his side had risen to the occasion in their first Champions League campaign since 2013-14, but the renowned man manager and motivator made it clear he feels the responsibility for his side's performance is his.

"You know, there's no point asking me this kind of question; I protect my players. I'm the one who manages the organisation of the team. I changed my three strikers for example, but I don't blame them - that was me looking for victory," said the 43-year-old. "If my players aren't capable of being at the top level, I'm the one responsible, it's up to me to bring them back to Champions League level, and to take them even higher."

OM will be out to get back to winning ways when they travel to Lorient for their Ligue 1 Uber Eats Round 8 clash on Saturday.