Was the chaotic start to the Marseillais match against Ajax linked to the crisis experienced by the Marseille club since the start of the week, with the resignation of coach Marcelino and the withdrawal of four managers, including Pablo Longoria, the president? Certainly. But, quickly led 2-0 by the Dutch, the Phocaeans reacted well and ended up obtaining a draw for their first Europa League meeting, Thursday evening (3-3).
And, at the end of the duel, goalkeeper Pau Lopez had a thought for the club leaders absent in Amsterdam. “I wanted to say a word to the four leaders who are not there, in particular to Pablo (Longoria). We played this match for them too. We are waiting for them, we are here to support them,” said the Spanish goalkeeper.
Since Monday and a meeting in which representatives of the supporters’ groups called for their resignation, Longoria and his three main collaborators have taken a step back and they were not in Amsterdam.
“They changed the mentality of the club”
We will respect everything they decide for the club. If they decide to stay, I think we will have an extraordinary season. If they decide to leave, I will thank them for everything they have done for the club, added Pau Lopez. Since I arrived, they have changed the club. They did a lot of good things, they changed the mentality of the club. I don’t think we can blame them for anything. »
The OM goalkeeper also had a few words for the supporters, the other party to the conflict, who were more than 2,000 Thursday evening in the Johan-Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. “We need the supporters too. We, the supporters and all the leaders, must be together, this is the path to continue. Everyone must do something to create an even stronger, even better club, he said. Everyone wants OM to do well. Everyone who loves OM must be together and look for solutions. »
“The fans have to do what they do very well. They are always there for us, even when things are not going well. When we play away, we have the impression of playing in Marseille. That’s OM, that’s OM supporters. This is what we need. If we have the best supporters in France, that’s why,” concluded the Marseille goalkeeper.