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Journalist
Passionate about football since a young age, becoming a sports journalist quickly became obvious to Hugo. He would later discover a love for the NBA, before exploring other horizons such as Formula 1 and the NFL.
Like many clubs, OM set up a loft last summer, in which we could find Pau Lopez, Samuel Gigot, Jordan Veretout and Chancel Mbemba. A solution often criticized, but fully accepted by Pablo Longoria. Even though this may devalue the players, the club made this decision with the support of its shareholder, Frank McCourt.
With the exception of Chancel Mbembaall the players that theABOUT had placed in his loft last summer ended up leaving the club. The Marseille leaders have therefore largely succeeded in their objective of separating themselves from their undesirables, but this way of operating remains much criticized and can also represent a risk, with players losing value on the transfer market.
-“We are very happy with the decision we made with the full support of McCourt”
When discussing the loft, Pablo Longoria fully accepted the decision ofABOUTvalidated by Frank McCourt. « For me, it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made at the club since June. The church in the middle of the village, the power where there should be power. That’s very important. We took this risk because we wanted to change the culture inside the club. We are very happy with the decision we made with the full support of McCourt. It is a financial risk because a player in this situation loses his value. But what do you gain when you put discipline, rules, clarity, when you understand where the power is? More than an economic transaction. Not all cases are similar because players left after understanding. I understand that finding yourself in this situation is not easy “, declared the president of theABOUT at a press conference.
“I’m happy with the loft, I think it was a necessary decision”
He too in the loft, Ulisses Garcia eventually stayed and was even reinstated into the group. A player taken as an example by Pablo Longoria. « There are behaviors that must be highlighted. Ulisses Garcia had absolutely exemplary behavior throughout the summer. He’s a player we didn’t count on at first. You work, you behave well, there is always a second opportunity. He made one of the gestures that touched me the most. After his goal against Lyon, he sent a message to his team director, Ali Zarrak, to thank him for the treatment and help he received during the summer. It shows you the class of people and how someone tries to impose themselves “, he added. Finally, about the loft, the president of theABOUT the conclusion: « I’m happy with the loft, I believe it was a necessary decision to change the dynamic and start a new cycle, with the right values. »
