The behavior of Jean-Pierre Papin was singled out by Olympique de Marseille. The OM legend is currently going through a very complicated moment on the Canebière side. Appointed head of the OM reserve in National 3, the 1993 Ballon d'Or feels deprived of exercising his functions. He also turned to the club's human resources to denounce interference in his work, in particular that of Ali Zarrak, responsible for Pro 2. But JPP was fed up and decided to reveal everything in an interview with La Provence.
“I wanted to clarify this, because I feel like it’s almost becoming my fault”
Jean-Pierre Papin did not hide in silence and preferred to put things straight in a long interview. First of all, he denied rumors of a falling out with Roberto De Zerbi, coach of Olympique de Marseille: “The story is taking on proportions that I cannot accept. I have to give my version. The first thing is that I get along very, very well with Roberto De Zerbi. I know my mission. I'm in the anteroom, OK, and I'm implementing all the wishes of Roberto De Zerbi and his staff. Each time we had players from the Pro 1 group (the first team, editor's note) who came down with us, we respected the requested playing times. And when he had something to tell me about a player, he would tell me. There was never the slightest misstep, the slightest hitch. Never.” before moving on : “I have a problem with a certain person. I am a coach and I cannot accept that this person (without naming him, Ali Zirrak)choose my five replacements. This is unacceptable. I tried to smooth things over, to find a solution, but nothing has happened since the start of the season. I had discussions with this person, I thought it would get better but it didn't. I would like to finish my season, we have built a magnificent thing with the kids. We like to play together, get together and travel. I feel like we're trying to screw this up and it's hard to deal with. I wanted to make this clarification, because I feel like it’s almost becoming my fault.” Jean-Pierre Papin had a heavy heart and emptied his bag. A matter which is certainly far from over.
Also read:
OM: terrible revelation about Papin, who is going through an ordeal internally
OM: tension between De Zerbi and Papin, thunderclap in sight?
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To summarize
Currently in turmoil on the side of Olympique de Marseille, Jean-Pierre Papin has emptied his bag in order to put things straight with Roberto De Zerbi but also Ali Zirrak, with whom he is in conflict. The Ballon d’Or wanted to clarify things in La Provence.
