Marseille boss says club ordered Højbjerg captaincy change

Bruno Genesio says he was instructed by Marseille’s management to remove Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as captain for their friendly against Atletico de Madrid.

The Danish midfielder had worn the armband before it was handed to Tim Weah shortly before kick-off in the match, which Marseille lost 2-1 as both sides prepared for the new season.

Genesio said the decision was not one he supported but that he was required to follow the club’s instructions.

“The decision to remove the captain’s armband was imposed on me by the club’s management,” Genesio told a news conference.

He added: “If I want to be completely honest, this is not a decision I agree with, but I am an employee of the club and I have to comply with certain things, which is why we did it.”

The decision comes amid uncertainty over Højbjerg’s future at Marseille, with the midfielder having turned down a proposed move to Newcastle.

Newcastle reportedly offered €8m plus a further €2m in add-ons for the player. The two clubs had reached an agreement over the transfer, but Højbjerg’s preference not to join the Premier League side prevented the deal from being completed.

Newcastle had offered the 29-year-old a three-year contract, but he ultimately decided against the move. That decision angered Marseille owner Frank McCourt.

Højbjerg has made 75 appearances for Marseille, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.

In the friendly against Atletico de Madrid, Rodri Mendoza and Carlos Martin scored for the Spanish side, while Igor Paixao was on target for Marseille.

The match was part of Marseille’s preparations for the 2025-26 campaign. The French club finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season with 59 points.

Marseille begin their new season against Strasbourg on Friday, 21 August.