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Official: Olympique de Marseille have a new manager

2020 Brasileirao Series A: Red Bull Bragantino v Atletico Mineiro
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Olympique de Marseille have announced their new head coach after Andre Villas-Boas’s exit from the club.

Former Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli is Marseille’s new manager, the club confirmed. Sampaoli stroke the deal with his new team less than 24 hours after he announced his resignation from Atletico Mineiro. Although the deal was somewhat expected, Brazilian fans were stunned as the Argentinian had coached Atletico this Thursday night.

Jorge Sampaoli arrives at OM as Andre Villas-Boas’s replacement after the Portuguese coach had an altercation with the club’s directors. This is Sampaoli’s third club in two years after year-long spells at Santos and Atletico Mineiro in Brazil.

“I’ve been told all my life that OM is a passion. Let the Orange Velodrome light up when the team goes to the stadium,” said the manager. “Marseille is a people’s club and I feel like myself in this heat. We are not here to hide: we will play hard. 

“When I received this proposal, I dreamed of being able to celebrate in the city. In the world, there are quiet places and intense places. These are the ones I want and I accepted without hesitation. This club has a soul and that’s why we are here. We are ready.”

Frank McCourt announced a new president for Marseille.

On top of the new coach announcement, OM’s CEO also promoted the club’s sporting director Pablo Longoria, who is now Marseille’s new president. The Spanish director has worked in some of the biggest clubs in Europe, such as Juventus and Valencia.

“This is a new chapter for Olympique de Marseille, and I am personally committed to making it a real success, ” said Frank McCourt. “I entrusted the presidency of the club to Pablo. His experience as a sports director and recruiter of talent equaled his love of the game. Its main priority will be to put football in the heart of the OM.”

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