“History has taught us that it is not permissible to attack another person because they are different or because they have another jersey, that is discrimination. It is not acceptable. to see that in football. ” Present at a press conference this Thursday, Jorge Sampaoli agreed to come back for a question on the events of last Sunday in Nice.
The coach of Olympique de Marseille also defended his deputy Pablo Fernandez: “He testified in court. He came to defend the players, he himself knows that he did not act well. I know him, he is an excellent human being and a very great professional. There were a lot of supporters, it’s hard to make the right decision at such times. “
Sampaoli charge Nice
The Argentinian tactician also regrets the attitude of the Niçois at the end of the meeting: “Sunday in Nice, we were scared. Instead of condemning the actions of their supporters, the players and staff members went to applaud them at the end of the match. We just went on the field to defend ourselves because that no one else was doing. “
If the Marseillais had to act, they also regret the longevity of the decisions taken by the authorities: “Everyone saw this reality, what happened. We saw several supporters, by a hundred come onto the pitch to attack us. I want to praise the attitude of the referee who took all the people to say that there was no guarantee for safety but that he was under pressure to resume the game. “
The Andy Delort dossier and the return of Lirola
Pol Lirola is back in Marseille since Monday. A reinforcement awaited since the start of the Mercato which was well received by Sampaoli: “Pol is going to be able to give us different heights on the pitch. He can play in the middle from the outside to the inside. He’s a fast and physical player, we know him. We’re happy to have him with us and we hope to have it asap. “
The other burning issue on the Canebière is that of Andy Delort. If it is part of the plans of the Marseillais, the case seems unfeasible: “He is a player that interests us with quality in front of goal. I have always seen Delort as the number 9 of OM. Given the market prices, the operation is almost impossible today. Can -being that we can try something in the last moments of the transfer window. “
The Europa League draw and the match against Saint-Etienne
“Unfortunately, we are in hat 3 for the draw. We have to bring up OM, it is not normal to be in hat 3 with the history this club has,” continues the former Argentina manager about the draw for the Europa League which will take place this Friday.
He was finally able to talk about this weekend’s meeting against Saint-Etienne: “It’s a combative team the whole match, we have to be focused for 90 minutes. We will try to control the game with our speed, being wary of blocks. Saint-Etienne is the team that shot the more in those early matches. “
Photo Credit: Icon Sport
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