Mamadou Sakho and Montpellier head coach Michel Der Zakarian involved in training ground fight

L’Equipe are reporting that Montpellier centre-back Mamadou Sakho (33) and head coach Michel Der Zakarian were involved in a physical training ground fight this Tuesday evening.

Players and staff members had to pull both men apart to prevent further escalation. The outlet reports that Sakho, who only played six minutes this Ligue 1 season, was incensed during Tuesday’s training game at Montpellier’s Grammont centre. After not being given a foul by Der Zakarian, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool defender stormed out of the pitch.

The unimpressed Der Zakarian reportedly scolded him, saying it was not up to Sakho to decide how and when he should train. The France international fought back by mentioning his peaceful behavior within the squad despite severely limited game time. L’Equipe understands that Der Zakarian’s rather derogatory answer was the spark that ignited the brawl with Sakho losing his temper and grabbing his head coach by the collar, subsequently making him fall to the dressing room floor.

Ligue 1 insider Mohamed Toubache-Ter believes that Der Zakarian called Sakho a “cry-baby‘ and that the latter kicked him to the floor, notably breaking Der Zakarian’s necklace – a family heirloom – which enraged the former Nantes and Brest boss.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Der Zakarian informed that he had “nothing to say” on the matter. The outlet understands that this training ground brawl was probably the last straw for Sakho. The PSG youth product is entering his final contract year at Montpellier, who failed to offload him last summer. The 33-year-old may even be dismissed by Montpellier over serious misconduct.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval