Marie tells of the former president of OM, “an excessive and brilliant man”

See my news
Follow Marseille News

Talking about Bernard Tapie, in Marseille, is often like talking about a family member, with the passion that that entails.

Nicknamed « le Boss » during his glory years with Olympique de Marseille, the Parisian by birth became a pure Phocaean over time, so much so that he decided to be buried, once he died, in the Mazargues cemetery (8th) .

In his new book Tapie comme Bernard, Marie Griessinger Tapestryhis daughter-in-law, paints, with a soft and delicate pen as well as frank and lucid, the portrait of the famous businessman, minister, actor and former president of OM, therefore, in terms often still conjugated in the present tense , as if stunned by his absence.

“Excessive and brilliant”as described by Marie, he lives again through sincere and sharp words, validated with affection by the rest of Bernard Tapie's family, including his son Laurent, who confides, passing through at the end of this interview, having had “tears in my eyes” upon reading this work.

Comments collected by Jérémy Attali, in Marseille.

“With Bernard Tapie, I had quite strong tensions”

Actu : Marie, you met Bernard Tapie at 16 and have since followed his many adventures. In private, what man was he really?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : Above all, he was a very attentive person, who was very present for those close to him, 24 hours a day. If something went wrong in the middle of the night, his phone was always on. For his part, he blamed us for this not being the case: “But anyway, if the family needs something, what will happen?” Far from being superficial, he was extremely attentive.

How does your first meeting go?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : I came from Polynesia, from a calm, discreet family, it was a shock to meet a person like Bernard Tapie! I then joined Laurent, his son, in France. I quickly realize that Bernard is a character. With my teenage impulsiveness, however, I didn't let it happen and we argued a lot. This gave rise to some pretty strong tensions! He then learned to respect me and I got to know him.

“He pushed us to give the best of ourselves”

Is it difficult to evolve alongside him? What do we learn about ourselves?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : We obviously have a passionate relationship with him. He goes through a lot of emotions and his mood is so changeable. Sometimes you adore him, then you can't stand it anymore when you live next to him! It built my character and it strengthened me. He has such high standards! He likes those close to him to exploit their talents, this puts constant pressure, we constantly challenge ourselves. He constantly encouraged us to give the best of ourselves. I was someone who lacked self-confidence, hanging out with Bernard made me realize that no matter who I was in front of me, I would never be more impressed. He always encouraged me, as he did with his children.

Is going from his glory days to criticism really that easy for his family?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : It's like a roller coaster! We went from moments of exaltation to major problems, including legal harassment against him. But Bernard always protected us, he was always positive. We were worried about him, we wondered how he was going to hold on, between the attacks and the illness… But he always stood up! With Bernard, we were never afraid. What made him suffer was the media treatment. Some have given him a distorted and negative image.

Part of his life was dedicated, successfully, to Olympique de Marseille. How did Bernard Tapie talk about the Marseille city?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : Marseille was his haven of peace. It is the city that has been there in its successes as well as in difficult times. I remember that he was very touched by the fans at the Vélodrome stadium who gave him encouragement and even, in the city, where several messages were posted. In private, he had tears in his eyes and that gave him enormous support.

“We are never cured and we never really will be”

Three years after his disappearance, is the mourning over?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : I started this book in 2015, with him, before his illness. I couldn't imagine finishing it without him. I wanted to talk about this void that such a charismatic character leaves. The second part of the book talks about this mourning. Three years is not enough: we are not completely cured and we never really will be. But even when he is no longer there, he is there… and he carries us.

Would he have liked this book?

Marie Griessinger Tapestry : Even though I also talk about his flaws, I know he would have loved this book. Family members loved him and explained to me that reading this book was spending time in his company. It's my greatest pride.

“Tapie, like Bernard”, was published by Les Presses de la Cité. Marie Griessinger Tapie previously published “We recognize happiness by the noise it makes as it goes away”, by Albin Michel.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.