OM: McCourt, Longoria, De Zerbi, Benatia… Rothen et Larqué dézinguent les "responsables" du fiasco marseillais

Jérôme Rothen condemned Frank McCourt’s inaction regarding Olympique de Marseille's severe crisis. The club owner allegedly allowed former directors too much leeway, leading to the difficult start of the season.

The crisis persists, and fans have identified a clear culprit. Frank McCourt, the target of banners and chants during the 1-2 loss to PSG at the Vélodrome on Sunday, is at the center of tensions following OM's disastrous season start. While not entirely agreeing with the fans, Jérôme Rothen expressed regret over some of the American owner's decisions.

"What can be criticized about McCourt is that he was truly foolish… to put it politely. For so many years, he was foolish to entrust the club's keys to people who destroyed it, who took risks, who played with his money," stated the former Monaco and PSG player on RMC's 'Rothen s’enflamme' this Tuesday. "This is the case for Pablo Longoria, and the proof is that we don’t hear from him anymore. I hope he filled his pockets well, because, my goodness, when you see the state of Olympique de Marseille today with these signings…"

De Zerbi and Benatia 'responsible for this catastrophe'

OM is in a relegation spot after the first five Ligue 1 matches and suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Besiktas in the Europa League, highlighting the club's current crisis. This situation logically follows a tumultuous offseason marked by economic difficulties and a summer transfer window with no new signings but fourteen departures. Despite significant changes in the management structure, including the arrival of president Stéphane Richard, sporting director Grégory Lorenzi, and coach Bruno Genesio, improvement has been slow. However, their predecessors are not without blame, according to Jérôme Rothen.

"What angers me even more is the last management team at the sporting level. Whether it's De Zerbi or Medhi Benatia, they are responsible for this catastrophe," the former French midfielder continued on his show. "It's catastrophic! Individually, you look at the players; perhaps I'd make an exception for young Weah, but all the rest…"

He elaborated on the club's squad: "When you give these salaries to players who, in my opinion, are average. I'm not saying they're amateur players; they can play in Ligue 1, but not for an ambitious Olympique de Marseille aiming for the Champions League."

"Automatically, you get cornered. And then, you're in trouble."

Larqué dismayed by 'the state of grace Longoria enjoys'

According to Jérôme Rothen, Frank McCourt will not easily rectify the situation. Neither will anyone else, given the institutional and economic crisis OM is experiencing. "Whether it's McCourt or someone else, it would have been the same anyway," the consultant added. He directly addressed the fans: "Stop attacking McCourt and focus on the people who analyze Olympique de Marseille and are responsible for this catastrophe."

Jean-Michel Larqué, also present on RMC this Tuesday, shared his perspective on the club's predicament: "The only thing McCourt can be blamed for is not addressing OM's deficit sooner, and the deficit is immense. He should have dealt with it earlier. The main culprit or culprits, since they were hailed as saviors who were supposed to revolutionize everything, are those who signed the checks and handled the recruitment. I am dismayed by the state of grace Longoria is enjoying. The primary responsible party is right there."

'Captain Larqué' concluded: "I'm willing to accept that McCourt hasn't done his job well, but if he walks away tomorrow, I'm not sure a benefactor will step in with 800 million just to cover the deficit. Supporters, be patient, and perhaps you'll have to endure this. Be patient, even though I understand your anger."