Marcelino’s spell as manager of Olympique de Marseille looks like coming to an early end. The Spanish manager only joined the club in late June, but after just seven games in charge of Les Phocéens, he has announced his departure to his players, according to L’Équipe.
Marcelino replaced Igor Tudor in the dugout at the Vélodrome. The Croatian left just halfway through a two-year contract at the club at the end of last season, citing “private and professional reasons.” However, Marcelino’s reign looks like being even shorter.
Les Phocéens have endured a tough start to the season. They lost to Panathinaikos over two legs as they failed to reach the Champions League group stage, and whilst Marcelino’s side sit third in Ligue 1, just two points behind leaders AS Monaco, they have been far from convincing, and supporters voiced their frustration after Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Toulouse FC at the Vélodrome. That vocal disapproval of Marcelino’s playing style was followed by an “extremely tense” meeting between supporters’ groups and the club’s hierarchy on Monday.
Within this context, Marcelino has announced his departure to his players at the club’s training ground on Tuesday. But for a spectacular change of situation, the Spaniard’s short tenure will imminently come to an end. In the case of Marcelino’s departure, Jean-Pierre Pappin, the 1991 Ballon d’Or winner, who returned to the club as a consultant in November 2022, will take charge of Marseille against Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday. Marseille then face Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique on Sunday.
