Genesio defends Paixao after incident, cites transfer frustration

Bruno Genesio spoke on Wednesday to defuse the controversy that erupted Sunday evening after Marseille’s 2-0 victory at Troyes. Igor Paixao, substituted during the match, had not shaken his manager’s hand, and the two men reportedly avoided all contact in the dressing room.

“No, there is no problem with him,” Genesio said firmly. The Marseille manager nonetheless acknowledged psychological fragility in his Brazilian winger: “Igor could have, should have left for Sunderland. It didn’t happen for various reasons. And perhaps this frustration is not completely digested for him.” A failed transfer during the summer window that, according to the coach, still weighs on the player.

On the sporting front, Genesio admitted that Paixao’s attacking performances fell short of what he had shown in pre-season, while emphasizing that his defensive commitment had not wavered. “What I notice is that in his effort, Igor hasn’t changed,” he insisted, describing the situation as a “period of doubt” the player is going through.

The Marseille manager said he was determined to support his winger: he affirmed wanting to “show him his confidence” and assured that Paixao could count on the entire club “to help him regain his attacking freshness.”

Paixao will have the chance to respond on the pitch as early as Thursday, when Marseille travel to Olympiakos in the Europa League (21:00). The Marseille side, beaten 4-1 by Besiktas in their opening match, have their backs to the wall against the Greeks, who began the competition with a 2-1 home victory over Jagiellonia.