Having left on a whim in March 2021, André Villas-Boas did not accept the betrayal of Pablo Longoria. The former sporting director of Olympique de Marseille had validated the arrival of midfielder Olivier Ntcham without the agreement of the Portuguese coach.
For André Villas-Boas, his time at Olympique de Marseille first brings back positive memories. The former Marseille coach had particularly appreciated the fervor of the Vélodrome, until the termination of his contract in March 2021. The Portuguese had suddenly left the Marseille city because of a decision by Pablo Longoria. The one who was still sporting director had validated the arrival on loan of midfielder Olivier Ntcham, while the technician had opposed it. A real betrayal for André Villas-Boas.
Villas-Boas lost his temper
« Ntcham, it was a real coup d'état that broke everythingtold the current president of FC Porto to L’Equipe. It wasn't bloodshed! It was a question of values. Everyone knows that when Pablo (Longoria) arrived, I decided to stay. Because I loved the club, obviously. I had linked my future to “Zubi” (Andoni Zubizarreta). Zubi left in May 2020, and I had a very strong discussion with Frank (McCourt). One of the things that we had made sacred between us was that the decision to take a player had to be validated by all parties. »
« I was not informed of the arrival, and I had already said no for this player. That's why I submitted my resignation, which later became a suspension, then an agreement between the two parties (smiles). (…) Normally, I am always in control of my emotions. But when people cross the line, when we touch on values, I can lose my temper, as you say in French. Yes, it’s true that it happened once or twice in Marseille », admitted André Villas-Boas a few years after this reluctant decision.
