Suspended, Pablo Longoria still raises the tone!

Pablo Longoria, suspended 15 games for denouncing an alleged “corruption” after defeat against Auxerre in February, remains an extraordinary president. While he can no longer approach the changing rooms, he nevertheless chose to react publicly this Monday … not on his exclusion, but on an “agitated week” at the commandery. A timing that intrigues, when OM has just chained three losses in Ligue 1 (Reims, Lens, PSG) before recovering against Toulouse (3-2).

Behind the club walls, Roberto de Zerbi imposed radical methods to shake off his group. “We were waiting for a reaction, not just a result. An attitude “recognized Longoria, confirming that the coach has multiplied the training “High intensity” And verbal confrontations after the reims fiasco (3-1). A risky, but paid strategy: OM overturned Toulouse thanks to an aggressive pressing and 67% possession, a sign of a remobilized collective.

Despite rumors of tensions between Zerbi and key players (Greenwood), Longoria denies any fracture: “At no time was there a break. Everyone is advancing in the same direction. »» A curved speech, but which does not hide the urgency: OM, 2ᵉ in the classification, can no longer afford to make mistakes before the shock against Monaco on Saturday.

Of Zerbi in “electroshock” mode, Longoria in support

Winners in Toulouse, the Marseillais now play their credibility against ASM, 3ᵉ at five points. “This match is a final for our European objectives”, insisted Longoria, knowing that a defeat would plunge the club into psychosis. With an additional issue: prove that the “Zerbi method”, As brutal as it is, bearing fruit.

If Longgoria publicly supports his coach, doubts persist. The president, suspended until September, can no longer intervene directly. It remains to be seen if De Zerbi, whose tactical choices had been widely criticized in recent days, will hold his promise: “Nothing will be built without absolute requirement. »» In Monaco, OM will not be entitled to error.