Stéphane Richard outlines OM plan, says the club needs calm | OneFootball

Stéphane Richard set out his vision on Friday after being presented by owner Frank McCourt as Olympique de Marseille's new president, stressing the need for calm around the club.

He starts officially on two July. According to L'Équipe, he will work closely with Medhi Benatia and interim president Alban Juster in a transition to prepare his arrival.

He set a clear objective, for Marseille to return to the Champions League on a regular basis and to establish themselves there, insisting continuity matters more than flashes of form.

He said raising standards across every department is essential. While he will engage with sporting matters, he added he is not a football technician and will lean on experienced professionals.

Richard underlined a medium to long-term commitment, not for 20 years given his age, but for an open-ended period, arguing that building a club needs stability, method and coherence over several years.

In a city accustomed to turbulence, he wants to restore order and ease tensions. He acknowledged frustration and a measure of disenchantment among some supporters, and wants them back in the stadium behind the team.

He views the transition period as valuable to grasp internal balances and anticipate decisions, describing the current collaboration as natural to ensure sustainable management and to be ready on day one.

Source: L'Équipe