Chancel Mbemba’s exclusion from Olympique de Marseille’s first-team squad this season continues to raise questions.
The 30-year-old Congolese defender, who was the club’s standout player in the previous season, has yet to feature under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
This decision has left many, including former Marseille defender Pape Leyti Ndiaye, perplexed.
Speaking in an interview with Africafoot, Ndiaye expressed his disbelief over the situation, stating, “It’s a non-sporting decision.
From a sporting perspective, there’s nothing that could explain why a coach would leave out a player like Chancel Mbemba.
He was still the club’s best player last season, one of the best in the French championship.
I was surprised to hear the management’s speeches about him, because I think he’s a good person. He’s always given a lot for the club.”
Ndiaye believes that both the club and the player could have reached a compromise for the benefit of all parties.
“The club wanted him to leave, he wants to stay. So it’s not complicated to find a solution,” he added.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation has unfolded. “I have the impression that the management wanted to make money on him and get rid of him.
I don’t like at all how this story ends between the player and the club,” Ndiaye concluded.
On the other hand, not all share Ndiaye’s view. Ali Diéné, a passionate Olympique de Marseille supporter, believes the situation is more nuanced.
According to Diéné, Mbemba’s exclusion is not entirely unjustified. “As soon as he arrived, Roberto De Zerbi made it known that he was not counting on Mbemba.
Whether it was the management’s wish or not, it was the coach who said it,” Diéné stated. He continued, “I think that at the moment, Chancel had to leave.
He is among the club’s highest earners. But today, wanting to persist and go to conflict with the management does not suit him either.”
Diéné also raised concerns about Mbemba’s future prospects, suggesting that his value has already started to diminish.
“Today, his value will fall, and he will leave for free at the end of his contract in June 2025. But what club would want a 30-year-old player, without competition for a year and who is dragging injuries?”
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve. Mbemba’s future at Marseille appears uncertain, with both the club and the player now facing critical decisions as the player enters the final years of his contract.
