With a happy face and slightly drawn features from accumulated fatigue, Pablo Longoria, president of OM, took his place on the stage of the Orange Vélodrome auditorium on Tuesday to busy himself with an exercise he particularly likes: the official presentation of its recruits.
The three central defenders – Samuel Gigot (28 years old), Isaak Touré (19 years old) and Chancel Mbemba (27 years old) – took turns answering questions from journalists. It was in particular a question of their arrivals, their respective profiles, their personal and collective objectives.
Gigot, Touré and Mbemba, different but complementary profiles
The first, from Vaucluse, signed last January (he finished the season with Spartak Moscow) a three-year contract with the Marseille entity. Very touched to join his favorite club, the solid fellow did not hide his pride and his ambition to win in the three-way defense of Igor Tudor.
The second, with an impressive physique (2m04), is a “project player” according to the Spanish leader, who wants to have young players with high market value. The ex-stopper from Le Havre is therefore on a long-term contract (under contract until 2027) and wants to “learn, step by step, before joining the starting lineup” of the Croatian technician. He defines himself as “atypical”, due to his size, comfortable with the ball and with a still perfectible heading game. “We have to increase the squad values every season with transferable players. We are looking for the sale of players to promote the project: it is very important for a club, ”insisted the Marseille manager, in the presence of Jacques Cardoze, director of communication, and Javier Ribalta, director of football.
Finally, the third displayed a refreshing tone, moreover welcomed by supporters on social networks, recognizing on several occasions “taking your time (sic)”: “It is my fifth day at OM. I take my time, I worked yesterday (Monday) with the group, I know everyone, it’s my family. We’re going to go up little by little (…) I come here after Porto, it’s like a second challenge. I’m shy in life, but not in the field. Asked about the controversies related to his age, the former Portista did not shirk in a funny sequence generating smiles in the audience.
Movements to be expected in the coming days
Beyond the usual presentations, the subject of the transfer window was discussed, one of the key periods of Pablo Longoria, professional scout. “It’s a special market, you have to be patient, choose the opportunities, wait for the right moment and be aware that we have changed our style of play. It was important to give the coach a large number of players before leaving. in England. It’s a process that ends on August 31, ”he said, also referring to the different types of market, namely opportunities (free for example), targeted players or young talents. Eventually, the squad should include 22-23 players including six central defenders.
This Tuesday, the transfer window of the “Blue and White” experienced a boost: the right side Jonathan Clauss (29 years old) arrived, the substitute goalkeeper Ruben Blanco (26 years old, Celta Vigo) will commit on loan and striker Luis Suarez (24, Grenada), whose “track was opened in the submarine two weeks ago” says a manager, will sign a five-year contract. “We wanted to take a player with different characteristics: pressing, repetition of high intensity efforts. It was necessary for the game of Igor Tudor, “said the president of OM about the Colombian.
Others will also join the Canebière. Jordan Veretout (29, AS Roma) is a real target to compensate for the departure of Boubacar Kamara to Aston Villa, as is left-back Nuno Tavares (22, Arsenal). But the lack of cash – the club still unable to sell – narrows the options and forces management to scrutinize free players or opt for loans.
In terms of departures, the Luis Henrique file is about to be finalized. “We are looking to make a loan with an obligation to purchase based on his individual and collective performance with Botafogo”, explained Pablo Longoria, turning the page on the Brazilian who has never adapted to the Provençal environment.
Friday morning, the Marseille delegation will join England to begin their training course at Saint-George’s Park, the British Clairefontaine, and there successively face Middlesbrough (July 22, 8 p.m.) and Real Betis (27, 8:30 p.m.). “Against Betis, we will slowly start to really see the Igor Tudor touch,” breathes someone close to the locker room. With a workforce a priori provided with reinforcements. The presentations of the recruits to the public at the Vélodrome on July 31, for the reception of AC Milan in a friendly, will be scrutinized carefully.
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