Bielsa quits as Marseille boss after season opener

The Argentine’s position had been a source of off-season speculation, with suggestions he could leave to manage Mexico, and a club statement read: ‘In the post-match press conference, Marcelo Bielsa announced he was standing down from his post as OM coach.’.

“I have decided to hand, on a provisional basis, the direction of the first team to Franck Passi who was until then assistant coach”, Labrune told the club’s website.

After a shocking 1-0 home loss to Caen in their Ligue 1 opener, Olympique Marseille have been handed another surprise: manager Marcelo Bielsa resigned immediately after the match.

“I never spoke to anyone from the Mexican national team”.

“I am done with my job here, I’m going back to my home country”.

Bielsa, who criticized Labrune for keeping him away from the recruitment process when he took his job, said this week he was “satisfied with the squad”.

“I cannot accept this situation of instability”, he said through a translator. He also said in the press conference that he was close to renewing his deal with Marseille and that the sides had agreed to terms, though he had yet to sign the contract.

The only goal of the game arrived in the 27th minute and in spectacular fashion as Andy Delort fired a right-footed piledriver beyond hapless home ‘keeper Steve Mandanda.

Bielsa joined the club at the start of last season and, while the circumstances of his exit may be dramatic, his short reign is in keeping with a nomadic career.

Bielsa has extensive experience as an global manager having had lengthy spells with Argentina and Chile.

Last season Marseille finished fourth in Ligue 1 and were considered among teams such as Monaco and Lyon to challenge Paris St Germain for the title.