The president of Olympique de Marseille, Pablo Longoria, presented himself at a press conference this Wednesday.
The opportunity to introduce the latest Marseille recruit, striker Faris Moumbagna, and to take stock of the winter transfer window.
Longoria was notably asked about Jonathan Clauss.
A key player for OM in the first part of the season, the French international almost packed up at the end of January.
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It was said that OM suspected him of a lack of involvement, of saving himself for Euro 2024. The 31-year-old right back hopes to be there with the Blues, he who has been the one of the big disappointments on Didier Deschamps' list for the 2022 World Cup.
“There is one thing that is the most important of all, it is the institution
,” Longoria brandished at the start on Wednesday.
Clauss
“was exemplary this week”
OM would have tried to transfer Clauss in the last three days of the transfer window, against the latter's wishes.
“We spoke this week (with Clauss) and there is no type of problem, on the contrary.
I believe that last week's situation had a positive impact on Jonathan because he showed a great level in training this week.
I would like to congratulate him for this level of commitment
,” continued Longoria.
SEE ALSO –
The best of Clauss with OM last season
If the former Lensois is
“an endearing player”
for Longoria, the Olympian president does not hide having been disappointed:
“We did not appreciate different things, I talk about it because it is necessary for our supporters to know the truth .
[...] As an international with France, at this time when we want responsibility and leaders, I expect him to be an example for all players and especially young people.
“For a moment, he was not the type of positive example that we wanted”
, regretted Longoria, who wanted to
“make everyone face their responsibilities”
, and especially Clauss who
“was exemplary this week »
.
The native of Strasbourg came on at the hour mark against Lyon last Sunday (1-0).
OM, 8th in Ligue 1, remains in four matches without a victory in the league and will host Metz on Friday (9 p.m.).