"It's not the era of sales" at OM, promises Jacques-Henri Eyraud. It is nevertheless perhaps the time of major upheavals in the organization chart. Sports director of Marseille since 2016, Andoni Zubizarreta has already left. And his departure could largely influence the future of Andre Villas-Boas, which various sources announce close to rendering his apron. Some claim that it is already acted, sealed, decided. A few days ago, the great craftsman of the beautiful Marseille second place in Ligue 1 sent a clear message to his management, saying he was ready to honor his second year of contract under conditions. Particularly in terms of transfer window and ambitions.
But also by linking more or less clearly his future to that of "Zubi". "From my point of view, things are extremely clear: Andre Villas-Boas is the coach of Olympique de Marseille and I hope he will be for many more years," said President Eyraud on Thursday. the waves of RMC , singing repeatedly the praises of the former coach of Porto and Chelsea after a "wonderful season".
"I heard Andre Villas-Boas raise a strong doubt about his ability to want to continue without Andoni Zubizarreta within the club"
Jacques-Henri EyraudExcept that it will be up to Villas-Boas to decide. And the doubts are there. He clearly established them during an interview with his president on his return from Portugal in recent days ... "I heard him mention a strong doubt about his ability to want to continue without Andoni Zubizarreta within the club, recognizes Mr. Eyraud . It will be his responsibility, his decision. I respect individual decisions like that. If Andre puts above everything, the sporting project, the professional group and the players, above the connection he has forged with the supporters, his bond with Andoni, what do you want me to tell you? ” Note that Eyraud, if he wants to rely on Villas-Boas in the future, has not made him an offer of extension.
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One thing is certain: Jacques-Henri Eyraud does not intend to be dictated by his policy. Nor respond to what would be a blackmail of his trainer ... "I respect the duo, the relationship and the bond they have developed during this year. But this organizational change could have lived with Andoni. This will not be the case. But my wish, my wish, and I said it to his agent, is that this sports project is also based, in large part, on Andre Villas-Boas, because he has done an extraordinary job this season. ” Note that OM is not looking for a sports director, but a general manager in charge of football, "JHE" saying that this future arrival could very well have been compatible with Zubizarreta.
Eyraud in difficulty in case of departure from Villas-Boas?
Not sure that this is enough to reassure or satisfy Villas-Boas ... "Nobody is superior to the institution, neither a coach, nor a sports director, nor even a president, warns Eyraud. The club's sporting ambition is still as strong as ever, it must be combined with economic obligations and constraints. And even more so in a phase of crisis as acute as the one we are going through ... We forget it a bit quickly, but we are experiencing an unprecedented economic and health crisis. ” Especially since financial fair play has yet to rule on the Marseille case. Decisions expected in the coming days. Jacques-Henri Eyraud also reaffirmed that OM cannot be deprived of the Champions League in 2020-21. "Our sporting ambition is intact," insists the Olympian president, evoking the start of a second phase, made of trading and young people.
The fact remains that Villas-Boas takes time for reflection. "He didn't tell me he was going to stay. (…) There are reflections ”, notes Eyraud. And to add: "(The season has been) so successful that my idea is to rely on Andre as someone key in the architecture of the sports project." We will know in the coming days, weeks, what is the idea of Andre Villas-Boas. One thing is certain: if Andoni Zubizarreta's rating was not at the top on the Canebière, that of Jacques-Henri Eyraud would not climb in the event of the departure of Andre Villas-Boas. And this even if the president has, we understand, put the forms to try to wear the hat of his departure to his coach ...
Eyraud on OM sales rumors: "These are fake news"
OM soon in the hands of Saudi Prince Walid Bin Talal? It's no. At least if one believes Jacques-Henri Eyraud, president of the Marseille club. "I don't know how many times I've denied it ... I think even Frank (McCourt) has done it. But it's OM, he smiles this Thursday, on RMC . Between those who dream at night that we are no longer in the landscape and those who may have other interests to convey these rumors in slightly more difficult times, what do you want me to tell you? I say it with great pleasure: it's nonsense. These are fake news. " Of which act. And Mr. Eyraud clarified: "The club is not for sale." Frank McCourt acquired OM from Margarita Louis-Dreyfus in October 2016.
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