The first significant talking point of the French football season arrived on Saturday night when Marcelo Bielsa resigned as boss of title contenders Marseille. The Argentine claimed behind-the-scenes shenanigans had forced his move.
Marseille were plunged into crisis on Saturday night when Bielsa quit just after his team had lost their season opener 1-0 at home to Caen.
"I have resigned from my post as manager of Marseille," he announced at the end of his post-match news conference.
Bielsa, 60, has been linked to the job of Mexico national team manager since Miguel Herrera was sacked last month shortly after leading the side to the Gold Cup.
Bielsa, who had only been in charge at the Stade Velodrome since May 2014, said:
"I have finished my work here, I will return to my country."
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.
"I thank the fans for always being behind me during games and on a daily basis," he added. "I am sad and frustrated. I cannot accept the situation of instability at the club."
Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda said Bielsa's resignation was a huge shock.
"It's a massive, heavy blow," said Mandanda. "At Friday's press conference, everything was fine, it was all positive.
"He was an important part of the club, for the team. We are disappointed. We don't know the ins and outs of it, we don't know what has happened. But we respect his decision."
Marseille got off to a flying start last season. They won eight of their opening 10 matches. The only goal of Saturday night's game arrived in the 27th minute from Andy Delort.
Source: RFI
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