Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: “We’re in one hell of a storm.”

Following the sacking of Marcelino and amidst a context of great upheaval, Olympique de Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) has said that the club is in “one hell of a storm.” 

Following a threat-ridden meeting between Marseille’s fans and the club’s hierarchy, Marcelino has left his role as manager after just seven games with the club, leaving Jacques Abaronado in interim charge of the crisis club. However, amidst the threats, targeting other members of the club’s hierarchy, notably President Pablo Longoria, further resignations have been offered. According to L’Équipe, Longoria’s resignation has been rejected by Marseille owner Frank McCourt, however, the Spaniard, alongside Sporting director Javier Ribalta, Financial director Stéphane Tessier and Strategy director Pedro Iriondo, have all temporarily stepped back from their roles. 

Amidst this whirlwind, Marseille have two important matches to play. Les Phocéens face Ajax in their Europa League opener, before facing Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique on Sunday. Speaking in a pre-match press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe, ahead of that match, Aubameyang said that the players are trying to remain focused on the task at hand. 

“It’s true that we’re in one hell of a storm. For now, in terms of the group, we’re thinking about the match; that’s the most important thing. We needed to be focused on it. What is expected from us, as footballers, is results on the pitch. That’s all we can do at the minute. It’s true that the context is a bit strange, but the priority is focusing on Thursday’s match,” said Aubameyang. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle