Stéphane Richard says OM were close to breaking point with Bruno Genesio this summer | OneFootball

Marseille president Stéphane Richard said relations with head coach Bruno Genesio were heavily strained this summer amid talks over Igor Paixao’s future. He maintained the coach never considered resigning.

"Bruno does not talk like that. He does not resort to blackmail. He did not threaten to resign," said Richard on RMC's Rothen s'enflamme.

"In our daily exchanges during the window, I felt we were nearing a difficult point. We were not far from breaking point," he said, noting it came in a summer when Marseille could not make signings.

"I like this man. He exudes calm and seriousness, and he is ambitious, very intelligent. Bringing him in was necessary and I am delighted he is here."

He said, "I threw all my strength into the fight to keep Igor." The sporting department wanted to keep the Brazilian winger amid interest from Sunderland, while American owner Frank McCourt had considered a sale to meet financial constraints. McCourt ultimately chose to keep the player.

Source: L'Équipe

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