As the first day, there are better.
After an intense Monday marked by a short negotiation between OM and Celtic, a canceled plane to Marseille and a contract signing around 11:30 p.m., Olivier Ntcham did not expect to be, without his knowledge, one of the players in the current crisis in Marseille.
This Tuesday, shortly after 1 p.m., André Villas-Boas appeared at a press conference answering a few questions about the incidents with the supporters on Saturday and the trip to Lens the next day.
So far nothing abnormal.
But that was before the Portuguese technician was asked about the transfer window and the last reinforcement of his club arrived in the form of a loan with option to buy.
His response was like a bombshell and placed the new recruit in a rather awkward position.
“I have nothing to do with this decision, I learned it from the press in the morning (
Editor's note: Monday
).
It is precisely a player on which I said no.
He was never on our list.
He ended up coming, I was not aware, explained Villas-Boas without ever citing the name of the player.
Because of this, I submitted my resignation to the management of OM.
I do not agree with sports policy and this decision making in relation to the needs of the team.
Not being aware when we had a gentlemen's agreement about arrivals… ”
A cordial discussion with the future ex-coach
How did Olivier Ntcham receive his words?
“Obviously, he was surprised because the announcement had the effect of a bomb, explains one of his relatives who describes him as quiet.
But despite this, he is happy to be there and really can't wait to be on the pitch.
Olivier is well aware that what is happening at the club is not his fault ”.
Indeed, the relationship between Villas-Boas and Longoria had already deteriorated during the last transfer window, after the recruitment of Luis Henrique.
The coach had then established a way of operating, "a gentlemen's agreement" as he specified on Tuesday: the Spaniard proposes, then negotiates after validation of AVB.
In addition to this resounding media release, the first Olympian day of Olivier Ntcham was, in particular, punctuated by a battery of medical examinations, concomitant with the press conference.
If he did not meet Pablo Longoria, too busy managing the fire, the former midfielder of Manchester City and Genoa was still able to speak with ... Villas-Boas.
A good-natured exchange, during which the future former OM coach, dismissed shortly after by his management, asked the person if he would be suitable for Wednesday's meeting against Lens.
Indeed, Ntcham is qualified and in his entourage, one even underlines his "vengeful spirit and his desire to hit everything".