New Marseille president Stéphane Richard takes swipe at Liverpool spending in first press conference | OneFootball

Stéphane Richard wasted little time in making headlines after his official unveiling as president of Olympique de Marseille on Friday, taking a pointed swipe at Liverpool FC over their lavish summer spending.Speaking alongside owner Frank McCourt at a press conference attended by Get French Football News, the former Orange CEO reaffirmed Marseille’s ambition to consistently qualify for the Champions League, but stressed that financial power alone does not guarantee success.“OM is part of that small group of clubs that must play in the Champions League every year — that means finishing in the top three in Ligue 1,” Richard explained. “But it’s not just about money. Some clubs have spent huge amounts — like Liverpool, who invested €480m last summer — and yet… I wouldn’t say it’s a failure, but there’s a lot of disappointment.”Liverpool’s spending spree included major arrivals such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, while high-profile departures like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez helped finance the overhaul. Marseille find themselves fighting to secure Champions League qualification, following the departures of president Pablo Longoria and head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Former Newcastle defender Habib Beye will be leading Marseille into tonight’s must-win clash against Ligue 1’s bottom side FC Metz.GFFN | George Boxall – Reporting from Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.