In The teamJulien Fournier answered several questions about OM. The manager first entrusted his admiration for the work carried out by Frank McCourt: “It's a chance to have it. He is criticized, but he does not want to sell, which proves his attachment. Little by little, he goes up the slope ”he said. He revealed his attachment to the club: “OM, we cannot get rid of it (Fournier was OM secretary general between 2004 and 2009, editor's note) … but this club needs calm. The leaders work well, even if it remains fragile. The association between Mehdi Benatia and Pablo Longoria is interesting. Mehdi learns very quickly. He has strong qualities, but also a margin of progression, like a player. Marseille has means, the club has returned to the place where it must be. Next year, there will be the Champions League, it will be another step ”he added.
“I was in the project of a possible acquisition”
Fournier also clarified to exchange with Mehdi Benatia: “I waited a good time before sending him a message. I was in the project of a possible acquisition, I did not want there to be interference. Mehdi knew the very high level (he notably played AS Rome, Juventus Turin and Bayern Munich), it should not be forgotten. This is good news for French football. He has the humility to learn his job, he knows football, shows courage. He will manage his emotions differently in the future. »»
The name of Julien Fournier had been associated with a takeover by Saudi investors, at the end of 2023. Negotiations that did not succeed, McCourt not being a seller. This short episode does not prevent certain columnists today from continuing to ride the Saudi wave without ever providing proof …
