A few days before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, Pablo Longoria appeared at a press conference to take stock of OM’s first part of the season.
Olympique de Marseille ended this first part of the season on a very high note. OM went on to win on the Rock 3-2 against Monaco, thanks to goals from Jordan Veretout and Sead Kolasinac at the very end of the match. After this success, Marseille has 30 points in 15 league days, and is in 4th place in Ligue 1.
This Tuesday, at the start of the afternoon, Pablo Longoria appeared in front of the journalists to take stock of this first part of the season. “An average of 2 points per game allows you to reach the podium. Here we are. Lens has 36 points, it’s important. Sporting level, we are happy», assures the President of Olympian, before congratulating the work of his coach, who arrived last summer.
«We are very satisfied with the work done (by Igor Tudor). We wanted to give a style to the team. It is clearly identifiable. This was the purpose of choosing Igor Tudor. We were competitive in all matches.»
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“I am proud of the players”
During this press conference, Pablo Longoria swept various subjects, returning in particular to the elimination of OM, and of all European competitions. “The course in C1 deserves a separate analysis. I am proud of the players. We are disappointed not to continue in European competition. The level on the ground was satisfactory.»
Since the start of the season, a player has been talking a lot in Marseille: Dimitri Payet. Indisputable holder and captain under Jorge Sampaoli, the master to play now takes place on the bench. “Daily work always payssays Pablo Longoria. It’s difficult for a player like Dimitri Payet. Change of coach, change of style… Players have worked to earn their place. It is the coach who decides who should play or not. Payet has talent, it’s obvious but it’s the coach who decides. This decision belongs to him and the leaders support this decision.»
Papin returns, at least one rookie in the winter transfer window
The 36-year-old manager also returned to the injury of Amine Harit, unavailable for several months and forfeited for the World Cup. “Amine is better. It’s a blow for the player and the club. He represents a lot for the locker room, its atmosphere. He is a player appreciated for football and the human aspect. The trend is that he will be unavailable for the rest of the season. So yes, he will have to be replaced offensively in the transfer window.»
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A new offensive player should land on the Canebière this winter but he is not the only one. Jean-Pierre Papin should make his return quickly. “Jean-Pierre Papin will come to OM. He will leave with the team in Spain. We are talking about a legend of the club He can give us good advice on a daily basis. You have to have former club players, it’s important because he knows the details of the club.
In a few years, I will no longer be here, but in 20 years, we will always remember Jean-Pierre Papin.»
Finally, Pablo Longoria makes titles his priority. After the elimination in the Champions League, the Marseille president focuses on the national cup, which will be an opportunity to play other players. “We must try to win the Coupe de France. We are ambitious. It’s difficult, but we have to try to get to the end of the competition. It is fundamental to qualify for the Champions League but winning a title is an unforgettable feeling.»