“It can’t go on any longer”: in conflict with an OM leader, Jean-Pierre Papin can’t take it anymore

In Marseille, there are the setbacks of the first team, swept away at home (3-0) by PSG in the Classic on Sunday evening in Ligue 1. But there are also the tensions which parasitize the life of the reserve of the OM. These led former club striker Jean-Pierre Papin, coach of this team since November 2023, to leave the training center for five days before returning to his men on Thursday. And to grant an interview to La Provence on the same day to detail his conflict with Ali Zarrak, director of Pro 2.

“I have a problem with a certain person and I don’t hide it. I am a coach and I cannot accept that this person chooses my five replacements,” says the 1991 Ballon d’Or, still ambassador of OM, about the right arm of Mehdi Benatia, sports advisor to President Pablo Longoria . Everything is compartmentalized. Pro 1 cannot come to Pro 2 without going through this person, and I cannot go see Pro 1 without going through him. Excuse me, but I don’t need anyone to go see a trainer. »

An internal investigation opened by OM

“At one point things clash,” continues “JPP,” who believes that the situation “cannot continue.” Asked to know if he will have to choose between him and Zarrak, the technician does not hide. “It is in this spirit that we must see things,” replies the person concerned. It’s very difficult to manage. I wanted to clarify this because I feel like it’s almost becoming my fault. »

Close to Mehdi Benatia, the latter was also responsible for managing unwanted Marseille players pushed out during the summer transfer window. He had an altercation with defender Chancel Mbemba.