Key Takeaways
- Habib Beye rejects claims of a crisis inside the Olympique de Marseille changing room following the 1-1 draw with OGC Nice
- The OM manager accuses media outlets of lying about arguments with Mason Greenwood and midfielder Abdelli
- Marseille must defeat FC Nantes this weekend to maintain any hope of qualifying for European competition
Habib Beye has launched a strong attack on the French media. The Olympique de Marseille manager claims journalists are using “bad practice” when writing about his squad.
Speaking at a press conference, the OM boss denied stories of a major fallout with his players. These reports appeared after Marseille drew 1-1 with OGC Nice last weekend.
French newspaper L’Équipe claimed Beye had clashed with several stars. Their story said Mason Greenwood informed the coach through his lawyer that an injury prevented him from starting against Nice.
RMC Sport also wrote about a heated exchange between Beye and Algerian midfielder Abdelli. The player reportedly told the manager, “you are not my father,” after receiving criticism about the Nice result.
“There is always pressure in the changing room,” Beye explained. “This happens from day one until the final day. But this does not mean everything is about to blow up. That is not happening here.”
The manager is angry about the coverage. He feels the stories connect to his position as boss.
“What upsets me is that we see the same old tales and gossip,” he said. “I feel this links to me being here. What angers me are the lies.”
Beye attacked the standard of reporting. He said some writers lack professional ethics.
“I hear many things in the dressing room,” he added. “Some people here do not follow journalistic ethics. When I see these lies, it is sad. If you do not know the facts, do not invent them.”
“Checking facts is simple. When I see what they write about me, nothing surprises me anymore.”
Marseille now face a crucial match. They play FC Nantes this weekend and must win. Only victory will give them a chance of playing European football next season.
The team can no longer reach the Champions League on their own. Les Olympiens need help from other results. They must watch what Lille, Rennes, and Lyon do in the last three matches.
George Boxall reported from La Commanderie, Marseille for Get French Football News.