Despite the extremely serious crisis experienced by Olympique de Marseille, the Marseille president clearly suggests that he does not plan to leave the ship in an interview for Provence. “I did not offer my resignation to Frank McCourt,” assures Pablo Longoria to the Marseille daily. Despite everything that is said about me, I am not someone who looks at his personal interests. If I’m involved in all this, it’s because I’m the president of OM. I represent an institution. I have a mandate given by the owner and the supervisory board. I must assume my responsibilities. »
The OM boss, faced with the departure of coach Marcelino, developed his argument. “Now the most important thing is the institution. We have to analyze things, with all the people who love this club. I don’t pretend to be the savior of the club or anything else, he insists. I think I’m someone who wants to give his best or has given his best to try to get as high as possible with this club. With good things and with bad things, but always with the objective of doing the best possible for the interest of the club, to protect the interests of the owner who is an extraordinary person, of great value. How could I leave it like that (Editor’s note: Frank McCourt)? No. »
In this same interview, the manager also returned to the meeting he had with leaders of supporters’ associations Monday evening, the day after the poor performance against Toulouse (0-0). “My goal was to send a message so that we go together in the same direction, to be positive,” he assures. I had prepared myself for the criticism but remained optimistic about the future. I was able to speak for two minutes, then I was cut off and things got out of control very quickly… We were told: “All four of us resign, otherwise there will be war”. The limits have been exceeded. In 2023, a manager of any club cannot suffer these threats. I don’t accept them. I wasn’t scared, but I was shocked, I consider it not normal. I did not have the right to speak. I was not the club president in this meeting. How to communicate when someone wants to prove their superiority to you? »
