Olympique de Marseille finds itself contending with a notable depletion of its squad due to the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with seven African internationals representing their countries in Ivory Coast. While recognizing the challenges posed by these absences, club president Pablo Longoria emphasized the importance of respecting both the players’ commitments to their national teams and the significance of continental competitions.
During the presentation conference for Swiss player Ulisses Garcia, Longoria addressed the impact of the mass exodus of players, acknowledging the dual purpose of AFCON – seeking a continental coronation and showcasing talent on a global stage.
“We take into consideration the number of injuries, the players at the AFCON, that means we have a lot of absentees.
You have to respect the competitions, the players. This is an extremely important competition for committed players,” said Longoria.
The Marseille president made it clear that he refrained from influencing players’ decisions to participate in AFCON, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to maintain focus and commitment to their respective national teams.
“Wishing that a team would be eliminated is the only thing that bothers me. It’s true that you have to defend your interests, but respect for the competition and the players is something to take into consideration,” added Longoria.
In contemplating squad planning for the season and the future, Longoria acknowledged the impact of AFCON and raised the question of leveraging the club’s attractiveness to potentially recruit African players.
“We are aware that the absentees count, but at the same time, it is necessary for the project to benefit from the power of attractiveness (for African players),” Longoria stated.
As Marseille navigates a challenging winter period crucial for European qualification, Longoria’s comments reflect a nuanced approach that prioritizes respect for players’ international commitments while strategically considering the club’s long-term interests.
