Exclusive: CJ Egan-Riley Reflects on Close Ties with Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes Amid Marseille Game-Time Battle

From starting Olympique Marseille's first three Ligue 1 matches to now being an unused substitute in the last four matches, CJ Egan-Riley confirmed that he will continue to fight and be ready for his opportunity. 

The 22-year-old was among the 12 signings made by the French giants in the summer, but he has struggled for game time since he received a first-half red card in the 1-0 loss to Olympique Lyon on August 31.

After lifting the Championship title with Burnley last season, Egan-Riley’s arrival at the Orange Velodrome in June united him English players Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes as well as American star Timothy Weah who is loan from Juventus.

He disclosed that the trio are his closest friends in the squad. 

When asked about his bond with the English players, Egan-Riley told SportsBoom.com: “I am very close with Angel, Mason, there are 2-3 players with whom I am very close, but generally speaking, we all get along very well, there is a good culture."

“I think I was very well received, very well integrated into the squad, after that I think that in any club, there are people with whom you have more affinity, with whom you speak the most, and obviously the players you spoke about, it is true that they are the ones who are closest to me, even if I get along very well with them, all my teammates have welcomed me with open arms.”

MEMORABLE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NIGHTS

Egan-Riley made his UEFA Champions League debut appearance against Real Madrid after coming on late in the 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And he followed the cameo appearance with a dominant performance in Marseille’s 4-0 thrashing of Ajax Amsterdam on September 30.

He was drafted in to replace injured Medina Facundo in the 39th minute, and he recalled the encounter as an exciting night for him and the team.

“I was very happy, very happy to be able to play that match [vs Ajax],” Egan-Riley continued. 

“Obviously when you don't start matches, you expect to get into the game, maybe not during the first half, but after that, well, Facundo hurt himself, I had to get into the game."

“In football you always have to be ready for anything, and I think that also proves that the coach trusts me, I really enjoyed that match."

“It was a great victory against Ajax, they're a big team in the Champions League, and every time I go on the pitch, I just want to keep improving my performances, keep progressing, help the team and help myself.”

LONG SEASON FOR IMPROVED GAME TIME

With just five matches under his belt so far in all competitions this season, the Manchester City Academy graduate remains upbeat about his playing chances.

Marseille are among the top contenders for the Ligue 1 title and are third in the table with 18 points after nine games, two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

In the Champions League, they occupy the 18th spot in the 36-team league with a record of a win and two losses, and they will begin their Coupe de France challenge in January.

He said: “I think that I will absolutely play at 100%, I will play again, it's true that I played the first three matches, I had a little less playing time, I wasn't a starter but I was a substitute, I was able to come on in important matches."

“It is a long season and we know that in football it is impossible for everyone to play 80 minutes every match for the whole season. 

“There are a lot of competitions, the Champions League, there will also be the French Cup which will start soon, so I will have time to be able to play and give my best on the pitch."

“And if I don't play a match, it doesn't matter, I will do everything to be able to support my teammates and play the next one.”