Himad Abdelli clarifies post-match remarks on substitutes

Olympique de Marseille Himad Abdelli issued a public clarification on social media following sharp criticism over his post-match comments regarding substitute players after a 4-3 victory against Le Havre.

Abdelli Clarifies Post-Match Criticism on Substitutes

Following the final whistle at the Orange Vélodrome, Abdelli took to Ligue 1+ to assess the team’s performance after Les Phocéens surrendered a four-goal advantage late in the match. Leading comfortably with a four-goal lead until the 76th minute, the team collapsed during the final 20 minutes of play, conceding three goals and coming close to conceding a penalty in stoppage time. Speaking to the broadcaster, the Algerian international argued that players coming off the bench failed to match the physical output of the starting XI during the closing stages, stating: Nous on se donne à fond pendant 70 ou 80 minutes, les rentrants doivent aussi se donner à fond. Là, cela n’a pas été le cas. Head coach Bruno Genesio expressed similar sentiments in his post-match assessment.

The remarks drew immediate pushback from supporters on digital platforms. Fans pointed out that Abdelli himself endured a prolonged run of poor form during the previous season, arguing that public criticism of younger teammates lacked discretion. In response to the backlash, Abdelli published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, to soften his initial stance.

“Yes, it may have been poorly phrased, but I know how important it is because last season when I came on, I was bad (so I experienced that moment). I am no one to say anything about a player!”

Fan Reactions and Reception on Social Media

The player’s follow-up message received a largely understanding reception from the club’s fanbase online.

“T’as raison Himad certes mais on te demande d’être constant face au gros du championnat parce que c’est pas un match contre le dernier de ligue 1 qui va me faire changer d’avis sur ta carrière à l’OM j’attends de voir encore,” wrote a supporter identified as Baler on X, emphasizing the need for sustained performances against top-tier opponents.

“Tout le monde a bien compris boss, t’inquiète pas c’était légitime et ça ne manque de respect à personne,” posted Marwan Belkacem.

Upcoming Fixtures for Olympique de Marseille

The internal tension arrives while Olympique de Marseille builds momentum in the domestic campaign, having secured three consecutive victories in Ligue 1. The squad now turns its preparation toward an upcoming home fixture against Toulouse at the Vélodrome scheduled for the following week.

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