The season hasn’t even started yet and the first tensions are already appearing at Olympique de Marseille. Beaten by Atlético de Madrid (1-2) this Friday for its last preparation match, the Marseille club was especially marked by a change of captain which did not go unnoticed. While Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg had worn the armband throughout the preparation, it was ultimately Timothy Weah who was chosen to start against the Colchoneros.
A decision which was clearly not within the responsibility of Bruno Genesio. Asked after the meeting about this choice, the Marseille coach did not try to avoid the subject. “It was a decision that was dictated to me by the club management. If I wanted to be completely frank, and I will be, this is not a decision I share. But I am an employee and I must submit to certain obligations. That’s it, so we did it”said the technician quoted by L’Équipe, thus confirming a disagreement with his management.
The choice of Höjbjerg which does not pass
This change of direction comes just days after Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg refused to join Newcastle. The Magpies had however offered a three-year contract to the Danish midfielder, while an agreement had been reached with OM around a transfer of 8 million euros, to which 2 million bonuses could be added. An operation which would have allowed the Marseille club to replenish its coffers, in a financial context which is still particularly closely monitored.
But Höjbjerg ultimately decided to stay in Marseille, a decision which would have greatly annoyed Frank McCourt. The owner of OM would particularly have difficulty understanding the choice of the Dane while the club is seeking to free up cash. The removal of the armband therefore appears to be a particularly strong signal sent to the player, even if Bruno Genesio intends to continue to count on him.
