It is a method that detonates in the landscape of French football and which testifies to the tension which reigns at Olympique de Marseille in the race for the Champions League. After two days of rest following their victory against Montpellier (5-1), the Marseille players will not find their usual routine. This Tuesday, after a last training at the Commandery, the entire Olympian delegation flies for Italy, heading a base camp near Rome for prolonged green of an indefinite duration. A strong idea, driven by Roberto de Zerbi to “Tighten the ranks” And
“Provoke alarm clock”. But how was this radical decision, expensive and potentially disturbing for players and their families, been welcomed by the club president, Pablo Longoria?
Faced with legitimate questions, Pablo Longoria wanted to react quickly via a press release published on the club website. And his answer is unambiguous: the Spanish president fully supports this initiative. He immediately specifies that this decision “Has been taken collectively, at a time when every detail can make the difference.” Far from being a unilateral decision of the coach, the idea would have “Emerged from our exchanges with Roberto who (…) immediately accepted it”. Longoria insists:
“It is a club decision, thought to put the group in the best possible conditions. »» He then reaffirms his total confidence in his coach: “I know how much Roberto is invested (…) He has all my support. »»
Longoria / de Zerbi: Total agreement on the controversial “Ritiro”?
This green version XXL, called “Ritiro” in Italy, is not a punishment, it is internally ensured, unlike the sanctions taken after the rout in Reims or the “Commando” internship last November in Mallemort. The objective, this time, is
“Build the ties” and allow the group to stay “Completely turned towards football”, Far from the Marseille pressure, to best prepare for the next crucial deadlines, starting with the reception of Brest on Sunday. The entire delegation, including the injured and all of the staff, made the trip near Rome.
“All my support for De Zerbi”: Longoria validates the Italian internship
If The team reports that the announcement of the trip did not initially “blow up all the players to the ceiling”, in particular because of the prolonged family distance, the daily ensures that the executives have validated the idea and that “everyone is united” today. The presence of Medhi Benatia throughout the stay and the planned visits to Pablo Longoria testify to the total involvement of the management. A displayed unit that Longoria wanted to emphasize:
“With Medhi, we are very happy that this initiative reflects the unity of our work. Here, we don't build anything alone. We decide together. And we advance together. »»
Validated and assumed by President Longoria, this “Ritiro” operation represents a daring and expensive bet (potentially a million euros if it lasts a month) for OM in its frantic quest for a qualification in the Champions League. The club presents a united front behind a strong method of its coach, hoping that it will bear fruit on Sunday against Brest. As Longoria concludes: “What matters now is the field. The group. Sunday's match. »»
