An attempt to calm the atmosphere is made in Marseille before the match against AEK was played in Marseille.
According to what the French media write, the owner and president of the team, Pablo Longoria, met with representatives of the organized fans, to bring calm to the team.
The French businessman, after what happened the previous month and the exclusion from Panathinaikos, the result of which was Marthelino’s removal from the bench and the near-escape of Longoria himself, wanted to talk to a delegation of fans, in order to he asks them for time but also for his trust in order to work in a calm atmosphere for the good of the team.
In detail, the report states:
“According to information from RMC Sport, Pablo Longoria, president of Marseille and general manager Stéphane Tissier met with several representatives of organized fans, including Rashid Zerwal, leader of South Winners, who was the toughest during the meeting he had as a result of the departure of Marthelino.
A month after the stormy meeting that sparked a deep crisis, with the departures of Marthelino and Javier Ribalta, Longoria and Tissier offered the fan leaders a meeting.
The first four-four with Zerual was kept secret and according to our information it took place two weeks ago, in a hotel near the Old Port. His case is special, given his influence in the Velodrome. This face-to-face meeting allowed the two men to talk about all the issues and all the accusations that have been put on the table in recent weeks. An important meeting to allow Longoria to continue his mission more calmly.
As L’Equipe explains, other meetings took place at the end of last week, in a hotel opposite the Velodrome. To avoid repeating the same pattern as in the famous attack of the fans on September 18, the management of Marseille wanted to meet each link (only MTP members postponed the appointment) for about 30 minutes.
The idea was to promote a peaceful and more intimate atmosphere. Longoria, Tissier chose private meetings, so that no one hides and everyone gives their version and their vision of the situation.
Some league leaders told Longoria they found it surprising that Marthelino’s departure was blamed on them, when his case had barely been mentioned during the high-profile meeting. Others acknowledged that some remarks bordered on the acceptable, but promised that there was never any intent to intimidate, let alone issue death threats.
Some union leaders also criticized the Marseille president for being too sensitive. The management of Marseille came out cool from these recent contacts, which they wanted to start before a period when Marseille have some big matches at home such as against AEK, Lyon and Lille.”
?? According to the information of RMC Sport, Pablo Longoria, president of the OM, and director general Stephane Teissier ont rencontre plusieres representatives de groupes de supporters including Rachid Zeroual, in charge of the South Winners.
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) October 25, 2023
Source: Sport Fm
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