Jean-Claude Dassier was rather happy in the clasicos which took place under his presidency of OM (from June 2009 to June 2011), with three successes, a draw and only one defeat against PSG, in all competitions, between June 2009 and June 2011. The manager is not particularly concerned at the sporting level after the slap received by Marseille on Sunday against Paris (1-5). On the other hand, he invites the new bosses of the club to a little more caution and humility.
The heavy defeat of OM on Sunday, is it serious in the context of its new project?
JEAN-CLAUDE DASSIER. We always make the mistake of interpreting, of extending the curves. This match is not representative of OM’s season. The team completely missed it, it’s a big disappointment, but overall, it is improving. Don’t expect things to go faster than the music. On the other hand, I had been surprised by the optimistic remarks of the president before the match. We resituated the clasico in its heyday…
Is it reasonable to think of bridging the gap between Paris and Marseille?
We are not there yet. You didn’t have to be smart. The leaders should have played it more modest. Paris impressed me, he still put four at Barça. He can go very far in the Champions League. Marseille, for its part, can go for 5th or 6th place and perhaps hang on to the Europa League. It’s not the same thing. The Olympians must not see themselves as more beautiful than they are. The transfer window was a bit hesitant. We will have to recruit this summer. It’s long ! Things don’t happen by snapping your fingers. We will have to rebuild. There’s no need to bring her back and say: “It’s us, we’re coming”. We are not in the United States.
Is it risky to make promises to supporters?
They are not patient. Taking five pawns at the Velodrome is never good. Already, when we lose at home 1-0, we shave the walls the next day. So five is a lot… It’s going to hurt their morale. Pay attention to communication. If football was easy, it would be known. I saw it during my two years with Deschamps. He was a maniac, everything was to the millimeter. I want to believe in the recovery of OM, I am very attached to it. There is a competent staff and McCourt wants to get involved and do things well. I hope he’s not an immediate result junkie who thinks of overturning the table in six months. You have to quickly turn the page, have a good transfer window, and work.
