Big discomfort at OM
Jean-Pierre Papin's situation at OM is causing growing tensions, even within the McCourt clan. Absent for several days, Papin, coach of the reserve in N3, is expected at the Commanderie on Thursday, but his future is uncertain. For a month and a half, he has been complaining about interference from the head of Pro 2, Ali Zarrak, particularly on his team compositions and youth management. Papin even alerted the club's human resources, who launched an internal investigation to examine these practices which he considers to be “moral harassment”. Furthermore, Papin filed a complaint for threats after a motorcyclist stopped him in front of his home, shouting: ” Papin, get out of there! “, a complaint with which OM joined. Zarrak, close to Medhi Benatia, exercises increasing influence on the reserve, imposing decisions, while Roberto De Zerbi's staff also participates in this supervision. Papin refuses these intrusions: ” No, I want to make my team. “This situation also highlights tensions within the Marseille team. Marco Otero, director of the training center since 2022, is considering his departure, accusing management of gradually reducing its prerogatives. Despite internal criticism accusing Papin of nonchalance, OM does not seem to be considering his departure. The club legend is seen as difficult to fully integrate into the current project, having neither found his place as advisor to the president in 2022-2023, nor for an ambassadorial role. which he considers to be little in line with his aspirations.
Jean-Pierre Papin towards the start?
Jean-Pierre Papin, current coach of the OM reserves, could soon leave his post, while the director of the training center, Marco Otero, is also leaving. Arriving in November 2023, Papin is in disagreement with the management of the club, in particular on the bridges between the first team and the reserve, leader in N3. OM criticizes “JPP” for prioritizing the title of N3 champion rather than the training of young people in collaboration with Roberto De Zerbi's staff, criticism illustrated by a manager: ” We are here to train players, not to finish first with the reserves… “. Papin refutes this vision and assures to collaborate with De Zerbi and Marcello Iaia, responsible for performance. However, Papin admits tensions with Ali Zarrak, responsible for the elite group, already at the center of an incident with Chancel Mbemba this summer. Discussions have begun to consider the future between Papin and OM, while Pancho Abardonado has been acting since Monday. At the same time, Marco Otero, in charge of training since 2022, could also leave OM due to differences. with management on sports policy, despite his contribution to the recovery of the Marseille training center. Otero's departure marks a break after months of tension with the Olympian staff, who accuse him of distancing himself from the project. over three years defined this summer The Marseille club thus finds itself immersed in a series of major internal upheavals.