Eyraud: "No interest in everyone going for their little music"

"The uncertainties have never been greater," notes Jacques-Henri Eyraud. Uncertainties which must nevertheless be addressed in order to "keep the boat afloat", adds the president of OM. And it is not simple… Despite some unwelcome statements that he considers worthy of “the Champions League of Demagogues”, he analyzes the consequences of the current crisis in a long interview published on the site of the Marseille club, qualifying the “disaster sector” sport. “We do not receive turnover when we have to pay fixed charges every month. And broadcasters penalize us particularly since a club like OM today only received 41% of its TV rights, while it played 73% of its matches. We must therefore set up crisis management, where every euro counts, ”he stresses, highlighting three priorities. “First, ensure our responsibility as a manager vis-à-vis our employees by taking care of their health first. Then establish an emergency plan to get through the crisis. The third subject is to live up to our social responsibility, ”he promises.

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And to add: “Football is an important factory of social bond. When it no longer exists, we notice it, in Marseille more than elsewhere. So we have a huge responsibility and we do everything we can to be up to it. Basically, we all pass the test of our professional life. ”

"Play behind closed doors?" It may have to be considered, but it would be heartbreaking ”

It remains to be seen when and how football could regain its rights after this crisis which paralyzes Ligue 1 like the rest of French society. "Difficult to project yourself in such a context", underlines Jacques-Henri Eyraud, before… to project yourself precisely. "It is my responsibility as a manager to plan for all eventualities to be able to adapt to the evolution of the virus," he said. This is the work that is done between clubs. Obviously, you cannot be hypocritical and dismiss the economic argument with the back of your hand. The clubs are in very difficult situations today and stopping the Championship would mean an even more serious economic situation for them. ” Suddenly, the captain of the Marseille ship is not against the idea of ​​resuming in camera. "If the only solution for a safe recovery is to play behind closed doors, it may have to be considered, but it would be heartbreaking", he agrees, he who sees the fact of living a bend match at the Vélodrome as "the ultimate social experience". Except that "sport and social distancing do not mix, it is even the opposite."

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"I trust our President, I would like to see the lesson providers take the controls," continues Mr. Eyraud, tackling the passage of potential dissonant voices. I think we must all show solidarity and put the health situation before any other consideration. No interest in everyone going for their little music on the recovery scenarios. We all know from the start: the virus will dictate its law. We will talk about it all together and I hope that we will reach a consensus on the best way to resume the Championship. ”

Focus on training and post-training

It will also be necessary to find a consensus concerning a drop in player salaries at OM. “Everyone must take their share of the collective effort. They know what I want from them and I trust them to make the right decisions, ”he says. Good news ? OM can rely on "an exceptional investor" in the person of Frank McCourt, "very mobilized, very present". However, there is no question of seeing the banknotes flow afloat. “This crisis comes after we have completed phase 1 of our project. We are entering a second phase, where training must generate the talents we need in the field, summarizes "JHE". Post-training must be at the heart of our recruitment strategy. We announced when we arrived € 200 million to strengthen the professional team, we spent 205 four years later. Financial balance and economic sustainability are now essential objectives of the second phase of the project, financial fair play or not. ”

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One thing is certain: OM is not for sale, contrary to what several sources have announced in recent days. Jacques-Henri Eyraud had already said it. He repeats it loud and clear, for those who have not heard. “As for the people who have fun constantly waving the red rag of a club sale, I can only disappoint them and send them back to their fake news. And too bad for those who dream of it at night. ” It is up to Eyraud, McCourt and company to offer another dream to lovers of Olympique de Marseille in the months and years to come.

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