Genesio rules out resignation and calls for patience after three consecutive defeats

Bruno Genesio firmly denied any intention to resign at his pre-match press conference, as Olympique de Marseille goes through a difficult spell with three consecutive defeats after a promising start to the season against Strasbourg.

“I have always taken responsibility as a coach and I will do so here as well,” the manager said, dismissing rumours of a hasty departure. He wanted to “put the situation into context” by recalling an unprecedented summer transfer window: “For the past twenty years, I believe we are the only French team competing in European football without having had the opportunity to sign a single player.”

Genesio also rejected accusations of shirking responsibility. “It’s not about opening an umbrella or making excuses. It’s simply a clear-eyed analysis of the situation,” he insisted, before sending a direct message to supporters: “It may take a little time to get back to the Olympique de Marseille that we all want to see.”

The Marseille manager was measured ahead of Thursday’s trip to Besiktas for OM’s Europa League opener. “We will face a good team, made up of very good players, with a very good manager, in an atmosphere that will be extremely favourable to our opponent. So it’s difficult to give a percentage of our chances,” he said.

The former midfielder, who knows the Turkish coach well from his time at Bologna, is aware that pressure will only mount if results don’t improve quickly. Marseille approach this European fixture without the safety net of a summer recruitment drive, in a context of doubt that makes the trip to Turkey even more perilous.