Jean-Pierre Papin, current coach of the Olympique de Marseille reserves, could be tempted by a new challenge in Ligue 2.
Despite official support from the president Pablo Longoria after tensions with the OM training center, will the former star striker have a change of scenery? His name is circulating in particular around FC Martigues, where the critical sporting situation of the club could well open the way for Papin to leave.
A few days ago, Martigues put an end to the adventure of Thierry Laureyonly six months after his arrival. After brilliantly reaching Ligue 2, the Provençal club is going through a catastrophic start to the season, with only one victory in its last 14 matches, occupying last place in the championship. To try to get things back on track, the club’s management began prospecting to find a new coach.
Jean-Pierre Papinwho serves as coach of the Marseille reserve, is one of the targeted profiles according to Footmercato. For several months, the ex-Ballon d’Or has been doing appreciated work at the OM training center where he manages to deploy his experience and knowledge of football. His arrival in Martigues would therefore be a solution for the club to bring stability and a vision for the future to a team in great difficulty. Papin, well anchored in the region, knows local football perfectly and could quickly adapt to this challenge.
FC Martigues thinks of Papin
But Martigues does not stop at Papin. The club is also said to have approached Frédéric Bompard, former coach of Nîmes, who is currently without a job. At a crossroads, Jean-Pierre Papin will soon have to decide between a possible departure for Ligue 2 and the continuation of his mission within OM.
It remains to be seen whether the Martegal challenge will appeal to the man who has marked the history of French football, or whether he will choose to continue his training work with OM. One thing is certain, the Papin soap opera has only just begun.
