Between Dimitri Payet and Florian Thauvin, it has never been a great love story. This Friday afternoon, André Villas-Boas did not deliver a scoop, but he confirmed that his two attacking midfielders did not really appreciate each other. “We clarified the atmosphere after the match against Nîmes. But with all this dynamic, it doesn’t help much to set a happier vibe. But I don’t think they’re going to vacation together. The most important is OM. I’m not here to erase their history at OM, I want them both to help OM achieve their goals. It’s not the first time I’ve had this in a locker room ”.
The complicated relationship between the two was known, but seeing a coach publicly confirm that two of his players are not in their hearts is a very rare fact in the world of football to be highlighted. But obviously, the situation would have deteriorated in recent days. RMC Sport indeed reveals the various events which led Payet and Thauvin to no longer be able to supervise themselves. Last Sunday, the day after the defeat at home against Nîmes, the Marseille workforce met to get the straps up by Jacques-Henri Eyraud and then tell each other his four truths.
Sulking and jealousy
On this occasion, RMC Sport reveals that Payet directly addressed Thauvin to reproach him for too individualistic behavior. Number 26 would only think about his personal stats and keep the leather too much. Finally, the Reunionese would also have criticized his lack of defensive withdrawal. Attacks that the 2018 world champion obviously did not accept. Clearly, Thauvin admitted his mistakes, but being criticized by a player with poor recent physical performance, especially against Nîmes (6.81 kms covered, 5 sprints, 6 km / h average), no thank you. The response of the native of Orleans would have been much more crude.
Finally, three other points are at the origin of this renewed tension. Wearing an armband, when Steve Mandanda is absent (Payet did not appreciate Thauvin being more regularly appointed captain), penalties (when a fencer misses, he leaves his place) and salaries. Regarding this point, Thauvin believes he deserved the club’s biggest salary. He made it known to his leaders, but they never proposed an adequate revaluation. Six months from the end of his contract, the former Bastiais has also swept away with the back of his hand the last extension proposal made by his club in recent days. Barring any surprises, Thauvin is heading towards a free departure at the end of the season.
