French club Olympique Marseille has appointed Argentine Jorge Sampaoli as the new head coach of the first football team.
American Frank McCourt, owner of Marseille, announced "deep changes" in the southern club, which include Sampaoli's appointment and the dismissal of president Jacques-Henri Eyraud in favor of sporting director Pablo Longoria. The club stated in a statement released by owner Frank McCourt: "Given the sporting difficulties and conflicts with groups of its supporters, Marseille has been experiencing a major crisis for many weeks that led McCourt to usher Marseille into a new chapter."
McCourt added: "This is a new chapter for Olympique Marseille, and I am personally committed to achieving real success." He stated: "I have entrusted the club presidency to Pablo (Longoria). His experience as a sporting director and talent scout is only matched by his love for the game. His main priority will be to bring football back to the heart of Marseille."
McCourt explained that "Eyraud, who has caused anger among supporters in recent weeks, will join the supervisory board of Marseille." The president also promised that he would travel to Marseille this week to meet with fans and group leaders "to discuss his long-term plans for the club," which he purchased in 2016.
In addition, McCourt noted that for the new coaching position, which was opened after the suspension of Portuguese André Villas-Boas earlier this month, Argentine Jorge Sampaoli has been a candidate for several days. It is worth mentioning that the contract for 60-year-old coach Jorge Sampaoli, who has managed the national teams of Argentina and Chile, extends with Marseille until June 2023. Sampaoli resigned from coaching Brazil's Atletico Mineiro last Monday, further fueling speculation about his imminent arrival at Marseille.
