Unfortunate, clumsy, unlucky… Almost all the adjectives were used to describe Vitinha’s match on Saturday against Monaco (2-2). The Portuguese striker missed a number of chances that could have turned the match around. Two days later, the name of the former Braga player was still at the center of the debates, when discussing the Marseille transfer window, on the sidelines of Quentin Merlin’s presentation.
The president of OM, Pablo Longoria, declared Monday that he was in discussions with Genoa with a view to the possible departure of Portuguese striker Vitinha, who failed in Marseille: “We know that it is difficult to win at OM for an attacker. It’s true that we are talking with Genoa but there are other clubs who are interested. We are not interested in a dry loan and there are other situations to resolve between us and Genoa. This is why communication is open. »
“Players have rights”
This summer, OM have already loaned the Ukrainian Ruslan Malinovskyi to Genoa, with a purchase option. Vitinha arrived in Marseille a year ago as part of a transfer worth 25 million euros plus seven million bonuses, one of the largest in OM history. Since then, he has only scored six goals. Sunday, he again missed numerous opportunities against Monaco (2-2).
Pablo Longoria also sent a very clear message to Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye, who is coming to the end of his contract at the end of the season, and to his representatives. “We have already offered two contract extensions this season. It’s true that he has trained very well since the summer [alors qu’il était suspendu par la Fifa] but as president I have to defend the interest of the club,” Longoria explained.
“By not responding, they are disrespecting the club. We hope that he finds a way out that is interesting for everyone before Thursday. It’s a question of respect for the club. We supported him, we covered the lawyer’s fees, we paid compensation to Watford. Players have rights, but we want players who are fully committed and with the right mentality. If a player is not fully engaged mentally, he has no place in this group. »