It’s been a tough summer for Olympique Marseille, with players and coaches alike stunning the club with surprising moves. Today, the club has released a damning statement following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.
The Argentinian manager resigned after an opening day loss to Caen, with reports that he is negotiating a deal to become the next manager of the Mexican national team.
The French club was left stunned by Bielsa’s decision just one match into the new season, and made some strong comments about his decision.
“The leadership of Olympique de Marseille has done everything to offer the club the services of a coach up to the responsibility,” read the statement released on Sunday. “But OM can in no way be a prisoner to someone who places his personal interests well above those of the club. Olympique de Marseille are powered by unique values and have a rich enough history to refuse to bow to the will of one man.”
Marseille had been looking to return the club to the Champions League after missing out last season with a fourth place finish in Ligue 1. They lost dynamic playmaker Dimitri Payet over the summer, a transfer which shocked and angered the Marseille management staff and caused them to release a statement shaming Payet for his behavior.
Then came the 1-0 loss to Caen on Saturday to open the season, which saw Bielsa resign immediately after. He had reportedly not told his players he was leaving when he made the announcement. The Argentinian said, “I have finished my work here, I will return to my country.” Bielsa claimed that he left partly because Marseille management changed the terms of his new contract at the last moment.
