The tone is rising as much as the efforts made by the Marseille players less than 2 weeks before the resumption of Ligue 1. According to information from La Provence, an altercation between midfielder Gerson and the new coach Igor Tudor took place during a training behind closed doors this Tuesday, on the sidelines of the preparation for the match between OM and Betis Sevilla (1-1, Wednesday).
Provence speaks of “a clash without consequence” due to the many efforts that the new Croatian technician asks of his players. The requirement prevails with Igor Tudor who does not spare his group in preparation for a new exercise in which the Marseillais will have to juggle between the championship and the Champions League, via the Coupe de France. Jorge Sampaoli’s successor is described as a coach with “strict methods” and a very assertive character, which would have caused the Brazilian Gerson to react during Tuesday’s session. Captain Dimitri Payet is the only survivor of the 2015 season of the Phocaeans, then under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa, known for his rigorous training methods which seem similar to those of Tudor, claiming a great burst of energy on the part of their players.
OM have only won once since the arrival of the Croatian coach, then suffered 2 defeats and a draw. On Sunday, the Marseillais will return to the Stade Vélodrome for the reception of AC Milan in order to play the last preparation match of the summer. OM will host Reims on Sunday August 7 to start the championship.