Where are the executives?
Obviously, the president of Olympique de Marseille is still looking for the answer to his question after six months of competition.
Pablo Longoria organized a press conference at the Commanderie this Wednesday, his way of showing his maximum mobilization while the club is going through a big dip with only one victory (against a N3 in the Coupe de France) in six matches.
Before the reception in Metz on Friday evening, the leader therefore called on his headliners to take their responsibilities.
He did not mention any name, except one, that of Jonathan Clauss, who has been in the news for a week now and the surprise announcement of his placement on the transfer list.
“We had a lot of discussions with Jonathan.
He has extraordinary conditions, I believe that in France, there are not many full-backs with conditions like his.
He is someone who has a special sensitivity, he is also an endearing player.
But as an international and an important player in the team, at this precise moment, we need leaders to emerge,” criticized Pablo Longoria.
Jonathan Clauss is aiming for Euro 2024 this summer with the France team.
Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport Icon Sport
As a reminder, the “Clauss affair” began after the draw conceded on January 27 against Monaco (2-2), during which the 31-year-old international left with an injury in the 35th minute.
Technician Gennaro Gattuso had difficulty accepting this outing, believing between the lines that the player had abandoned his team, rather than “gritting his teeth”, like Jordan Veretout and Geoffrey Kondogbia.
The psychodrama continued until the end of the transfer window on Thursday evening, the club opening the door to the departure of its indisputable holder from the start of the season.
It did not take place and, on Friday, the former Lensois (10 caps, 1 goal) made his return to training... very conspicuously touching the back of his knee after each pass in front of the journalists invited to follow the first quarter of an hour.
“This week, when I see his level of commitment, I can only congratulate him”
Pablo Longoria therefore tried to clear this sequence this Wednesday, without discarding.
Like the speech at PSG in recent months, he said he wanted to place “the institution” above any individual consideration.
“We have leaders, who I will not name out of respect for everyone, in this group and it is in these moments that they must emerge,” he insisted.
Even affirming that this pressure boost had its immediate usefulness: “This week, when I see his level of commitment, I can only congratulate him.
Jonathan Clauss must be an important player on this team, a positive example.
This week he had a positive reaction.
»
Read alsoMercato: after Nordi Mukiele, Bayern Munich follows Marseillais Jonathan Clauss… for next summer
Those around the player, interviewed by the local press, explained that they did not understand this pillorying.
We also refute any desire to leave Bouches-du-Rhône this winter.
“We didn't like it when we were presented with interest in him, like Barcelona.
I checked, it was not true… At a time when we are asking for involvement, these are not good messages,” added Pablo Longoria, without saying more.
Now that the transfer window has ended, OM must in any case absolutely reassure themselves at home.
A week after the worrying defeat in Lyon (1-0), the Vélodrome is awaiting a collective awakening from its team.
Eliminated from the Cup, Marseille is currently 8th, seven points off the podium.
In the coming days, he will also face the Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 32 of the Europa League (February 16 and 23).