In a context of disappointing sports performances at the Olympique de Marseille and growing uncertainty about a European qualification, several voices are raised to question the current management of the club, embodied by Pablo Longoria. On RMC, Éric Di Meco, OM’s iconic figure, expressed doubts about Longoria’s ability to fully assume the responsibilities inherent in the position of President, highlighting a gap between his undeniable skills as a recruiter and sports director, and the demands of the supreme leadership role. Di Meco even suggested that the position might not correspond to Longoria’s personal aspirations, pointing to a lack of control over certain situations, such as arbitration in the match against Auxerre, and questioning his ability to make crucial decisions in the club’s interest.

Jean-Michel Larqué, also a sports consultant, reinforced this criticism by stressing Longoria’s responsibility in the current difficulties, despite the many changes in staff and coaches that have made the club rhythmic since its arrival in 2020. The former player believes that the leader can no longer clear his customs and even referred to a recent period when Longoria would have been about to resign, stressing the intense pressure on his shoulders, especially because of the qualifying race in the Champions League. The situation is all the more worrying as the defence sector of OM appears to be constantly weakened by repeated absences and a lack of stability.

With only five remaining championship days, the Olympique de Marseille is facing a crucial moment, when failure to qualify for European competitions could definitely jeopardize Pablo Longoria’s project and fuel questions about his ability to carry out the club’s ambitions. The future of OM management seems to be suspended from the last few weeks of competition and Longoria’s ability to respond to criticism and raise the bar.