Frank McCourt landed in Marseille at 10 am this Monday morning to discuss with the various actors of OM and the municipality.
Last Friday, the American shareholder had made several important changes within the club by replacing President Jacques-Henri Eyraud by Pablo Longoria, until then sporting director.
McCourt also decided to come to the Canebière to calm a complicated climate with the supporters since the incidents at the training center on January 30.
The American businessman first met the city's mayor, Benoît Payan.
The Marseille elected representative subsequently spoke.
He seemed reassured at RMC's microphone by his interview with McCourt.
“I found a man to listen, who wanted to understand the situation.
He made decisions.
He dismissed Jacques-Henri Eyraud, he named Longoria.
He meets the supporters.
He split the armor.
I found a guy who was sincere, open, ”explained the mayor.
Ambitions for the Champions League
But, according to the latter, the ambitions of the owner of OM do not stop there.
"He told me again that he did not want to sell the club, at any price, that he had never intended to sell it and that in the future he will not intend to sell it.
He told me he wanted to go for the Champions League.
"
For his part, Benoît Payan explained to Frank McCourt that he only wants to sell his stadium in one way.
“I have indicated on several occasions that I wanted to sell the stadium, but that I will only sell it to Olympique de Marseille and from the moment I am sure of the project.
»A desire to sell that occurred a few days after the incidents at the training center.
The mayor then declared that the Velodrome was costing him too much money.
The supporters' notice canceled
Following the events of January 30, which took place at the OM training center, the American owner also wanted to talk to the supporters.
McCourt was said to have been very shocked by the assault organized by some fans of the club to express their dissatisfaction with the internal management.
Incidents which had notably resulted in the postponement of the match scheduled for the same evening at the Vélodrome against Rennes.
McCourt thus announced the cancellation of the formal notice which targeted six groups of Marseille supporters.
Present until Tuesday evening in Marseille, the American businessman should take the opportunity to welcome the new OM coach, Jorge Sampaoli, whom he appointed on Friday.
The Argentine coach will have to respect the seven days of isolation for health measures.
Sampaoli would then take his first steps as Marseille coach only on March 10, for the reception of Rennes in a late match.
The 60-year-old Argentinian is committed until 2023 with OM.
