Vincent Labrune: “I am in shock”

In an official statement on Marseille’s official website last night, Marseille President Vincent Labrune expressed his shock at Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to resign.

He had the following to say:

“I am obviously, like all of the Marseille fans, shocked by this brutal decision taken by Marcelo Bielsa. Together we had found a agreement for the extension of his contract several weeks ago. Tonight, I struggle to understand how a simple meeting, on Wednesday, concerning technical details of this contract with a lawyer and our Director General can be the cause of this decision, even though all his desires were being catered for. The attitude and positive words of Marcelo Bielsa, on Thursday, in the first press conference of the season go completely against what he has just done… I have no doubt, and I said this to the player, that the quality and strength of our squad will allow us to enjoy despite the departure of Marcelo Bielsa, the good season that we have prepared for.”

Labrune also confirmed that Franck Passi has been appointed caretaker manager with immediate effect.