Genesio admits underestimating OM's financial crisis, doesn't rule out resignation

Bruno Genesio acknowledged on Saturday in a press conference that he did not fully grasp the depth of Olympique de Marseille’s financial crisis, while refusing to rule out the possibility of resignation. Three days before the close of the summer transfer window, the Marseille club has recorded no signings.

“Did I have full awareness of everything? Not quite,” admitted the 59-year-old coach. “We are in a very precarious and very difficult situation. We must both balance a financial situation, respect commitments to European and French authorities, and also build a competitive team. Doing both is not easy, far from it.” These words echo the reminders made the day before by general director Greg Lorenzi and president Stéphane Richard.

Arriving on the Marseille bench to succeed Habib Beye, Genesio knew he would find a club under budget constraints. The real scale of the situation, by his own admission, nonetheless caught him off guard at such a sensitive period of preparation.

When asked about a possible resignation, the coach replied: “For now, there is no news on this subject.” The “for now” did not fail to raise questions.

The possible sale of Igor Paixao could constitute an additional breaking point. The Brazilian midfielder, courted by several clubs including Sunderland, risks not being called up for the trip to Monaco on Sunday, for the second day of Ligue 1.