While in Rome for a football conference, Pablo Longoria, president of OM, spoke to Corriere della Sera on Marseille’s ambitions. With a project spread over three years, Longoria aims high: “The objective is to compete with PSG. In the meantime, we are still the only French team to have won the Champions League. »
Under the direction of Frank McCourt, the Marseille project is based on structured management and targeted recruitment. Longoria particularly praised the impact of Roberto De Zerbi, coach who arrived this summer: “I convinced him with transparency and passion. He was seduced by the enthusiasm of the city and the supporters. »
An anecdote about De Zerbi
Longoria also shared a revealing anecdote about De Zerbi’s perfectionism: “One day he asked me for a budget for an electronic board. I thought he wanted an iPad, but he ordered a giant screen for the field, like in stadiums! » Despite a mixed start to the season, De Zerbi is seen as the cornerstone of OM’s revival.
Finally, Longoria spoke of the importance for Ligue 1 to be better recognized internationally, particularly in Italy: “Ligue 1 is underestimated, but its level is very high. »
