Before the start of his press conference this Friday, Roberto De Zerbi spoke at length in front of journalists to deny press reports reporting poor relations between him and Jean-Pierre Papin, coach of the OM reserves.
Proof that the subject is highly sensitive and taken seriously, he himself decided to anticipate the journalists' questions and provide a frank clarification. Before responding to the media this Friday during his traditional pre-match press conference, two days before traveling to Nantes at the end of the 10th day of Ligue 1, Roberto De Zerbi spoke for almost three minutes . The OM coach wanted to deny press reports reporting poor relations between him and Jean-Pierre Papin, the OM reserve coach at the heart of a tense situation within the club.
“I would first like to clarify an important point, because in recent days, I have been somewhat at the heart of discussions concerning Jean-Pierre Papin. I apologize for not speaking your language, but I will try to be as precise as possible, because I want to say that this is absolutely false. These are completely invented remarks. I have always had a very good relationship with Jean-Pierre Papin. It is true that recently, we have not. haven't seen each other much because our training is at different times, but there is always a very good relationship,” said De Zerbi, whose comments in Italian were then translated into French.
No problem with Papin
As explained by RMC Sport, Papin, at the head of the OM reserve team since last year, is currently frustrated by his situation in National 3. At issue: the management and playing time of certain young players of its workforce with a view to integrating them into the professional group. Above all, as he himself admitted in the columns of La Provence, he no longer wants to work with Ali Zarrak, head of Pro 2 and considered the right arm of Medhi Benatia. During this interview, Papin also clarified that he had no problem with De Zerbi, which was confirmed by the former Sassuolo and Brighton coach.
“He is someone that I respect above all because he was here before me, because of his history as a player and the great history he had with this club, and also because of his age (60 years). He's someone older than me, and generally speaking, I respect people. It's not just because it's Jean-Pierre Papin: it could have been the gardener, or n. no matter who works here. I always greeted everyone. Honestly, I was shocked when I heard about it, and when I was told about it, I found it quite disrespectful to have written this. kind of comment, because I have always tried to be as respectful as possible towards you, towards the press”, explained De Zerbi.
“I demand that there be respect towards me”
And to continue: “I think it is justifiable to write that OM are playing badly, that OM are not first in the standings, or that we played badly against PSG or Strasbourg. But me, in as a person, I think I have done nothing to deserve to find myself at the heart of controversies of this kind. As I told you, I respect you and I have always respected you. So, if it is to criticize. and talking about my work, it's normal, I accept it. I wanted to come to Marseille and OM, so I know what that could entail. But as a person, I would really like that. I'm being left alone because I don't think I deserve it.”
“I am happy that Jean-Pierre was also able to deny what was said, because I repeat, I really have no problem with anyone, neither with him, nor with anyone here at the Commanderie until now. one day this should happen, I will be the first to inform you of it. So, there you have it, I demand that there be respect towards me,” concluded De Zerbi. The message got through.
