2023-06-23 18:10:00
His arrival was no longer really in doubt, it is now official. Olympique de Marseille announced on Friday evening the appointment of Marcelino as coach. The Marseille club does not specify the duration of the contract, but it would be two years, i.e. until 2025. The 57-year-old Spanish technician succeeds Igor Tudor, who resigned at the beginning of June following guiding OM in third place in the Ligue 1 standings.
Marcelino will thus work once more with Marseille president Pablo Longoria, following first experiences together at Recreativo Huelva, Racing Santander and more recently in Valencia. If the two men have been close for a long time, the former Athletic Bilbao coach was not the first choice of the Marseille boss. But following suffering failures on the tracks leading to Marcelo Gallardo and then Paulo Fonseca, and despite rumors of an interest in Christophe Galtier, Longoria chose to turn to Marcelino.
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This will thus experience his very first experience abroad, but he has made a very solid reputation in twenty years of career in Spanish football. Rigorous, follower of the 4-4-2 with a permanent concern for the respect of the collective organization, it corresponds to many criteria sought by Marseille. “The arrival of Marcelino is part of the desire to give continuity to the club’s project, says Javier Ribalta, OM’s general director of football. His expertise and personality correspond to the requirements of the high level. His experience will be also a huge asset to reinforce the work undertaken last season.”
Not enough time to get your bearings
Marcelino, who won a King’s Cup with Valencia (2019) and a Spanish Super Cup with Athletic Bilbao (2021), said he was convinced by the project that OM offered him. “I would like to thank Olympique de Marseille for the confidence granted, he said. Our discussions on the team and the project have encouraged reflection to make an informed and considered decision. With all of my staff , we are convinced by the project. I know the responsibility that this mission represents and our commitment will be total.”
Without a job since leaving Bilbao in June 2022, Marcelino will not have much time to make his mark. The resumption of OM training is set for July 3, in just ten days. And he will face a first major deadline at the beginning of August with the third preliminary round of the Champions League. A lot of things should change by then. With the appointment of its coach, Marseille will indeed be able to move forward in its transfer window.
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