Pape Gueye, the ex-Olympique de Marseille midfielder, recently spoke about his experience under Marcelino during an interview with FootMercato. Although the Senegalese international did not have the opportunity to play with the Spanish coach in Marseille due to his suspension, he nevertheless shared thoughts on the relationship that developed between them and the atmosphere that reigned in Marseille before the unexpected departure of Marcelino.
In a first extract, Pope Gueye describes the way in which Marcelino perceived his attitude during the suspension period for FootMercato: “I didn't have the chance to play under him because I was suspended. But I was training every day and I was in a delirium, basically, even if I'm suspended, I'm going to give it my all. I think that by seeing that, he saw that this little one has something. He has a mentality, because in reality, four months, I could say to myself, Okay, go ahead, I'm going to choose my workouts or I'm going to work a little less. » This determination seems to have had an impact on Marcelino, who appreciated Gueye's will, as he himself emphasizes: “He saw that I was really determined to come back in good shape. » Gueye continues by highlighting the human side of the coach: “He is a human person, above all. And I think that's why we got along so well. Because in this environment, it's complicated to find good people, honest people. And I think he's a straight-talking person. »
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I was in a delirium, basically, even if I'm suspended, I'm going to give it my all
The former Marseille player then addresses the question of the decision to leave Marcelinowhich he still hasn't understood. “To be honest, I don't know why it didn't work because he had very clear ideas. I wasn't at the match, but in training, the team worked well. We made a lot of videos. » He underlines the general surprise at the announcement of the departure of the Spanish coach: “When he left, everyone was shocked. If a coach does anything, we see that what he is proposing does not correspond, we will feel it. But then, everyone was surprised. We don't really know the reasons for his departure. »
We don't really know the reasons for his departure.
Despite his short stint at OM, Pope Gueye kept a deep respect for Marcelino whom he then joined at Villarreal. The latter's departure from OM, however, remains a mystery, both for the players and the staff.
