Legend of Olympique de Marseille, Jean-Pierre Papin has not yet had the opportunity to lead team A. Several rumors had mentioned the interest of the current manager of the Marseille reserve since November 2023 to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, but the latter was finally replaced by Jean-Louis Gasset.
As part of an interview for Arena, Rudy Thalmensi, who evolved under the orders of Papin during his visit to the bench of C 'Chartres, gave some elements which could explain why he did not have his chance with OM in the elite. The French defensive midfielder has notably questioned certain skills of the Boulonnais technician.
“You had the impression that he had never played football”
“As a coach, I didn't like it”first launched the Red Star FC player, before continuing:
“Maybe that's what's going on in Marseille, yes.” Even before Charters, he only had N2-N3 teams, and he did not succeed. In fact, it was tactically … When he spoke to you, you had the impression that he had never played football (laughs). I swear it's true. If one day you have players who have had Papin, ask them, they will all say the same thing. In fact, when you talk about football, there is language. Football language, he doesn't have it. He cannot explain, his ideas are not clear. »»
The Essonnien, however, rented the personality of the former goalscorer of the sky and white, imprint of humility. “He's super nice eh, it's a great person, however, that you can't take him away.” Apart from the coach, it's a great person. Very nice, all the time laughing … I did not expect that when I arrived. In general, people like that, a former Ballon d'Or, you can tell yourself that he will have the big head. He, no, not at all, his head on his shoulders, super nice. But as a coach, it doesn't happen ”concluded Thalmensi.
