Marseille’s former Champions League winner faces captain demotion amid disastrous start

At the Stade Vélodrome, a banner reading “Ligue 2 PROJECT 2026?” hung over the home end a few weeks ago, while another demanded “McCourt game over!”. The slogans captured the fury of Olympique Marseille supporters after the club lost four of its first five league matches and now sit second from bottom – a position never before recorded in the club’s history.

Fan unrest and banner protests

The angry displays followed a disastrous start that saw the team knocked out of the Champions League play‑offs by Fenerbahçe, losing 3–2 on aggregate. Their Europa League debut was no better, as they were thrashed 4–1 by Beşiktaş. Supporters, already disillusioned by an unprecedented transfer window, turned their frustration into slogans aimed at majority owner Frank McCourt.

Financial woes and player exits

Marseille’s summer business offered little optimism. The club has not signed a single new player, a unique situation among Europe’s top five leagues, while 14 players departed, including Facundo Medina, Mason Greenwood, Quinten Timber and Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang. The French side cited mandatory commitments to UEFA and the DNCG as reasons for the exodus.

Among the departures, long‑serving captain Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg – the highest earner at €6 million a year – was slated for sale to Newcastle United. When the deal fell through, the club’s management stripped him of the captaincy and handed the armband to Timothy Weah.

Coach Bruno Génésio reacted angrily, saying, “This decision was imposed on me by the club’s management. If I’m being completely honest—and I will be—I do not agree with this decision. But I am an employee and have to comply with certain obligations. That is just how it is, so that is what we did.” The coach and the 60‑year‑old captain later denied the story, but the episode added to the turmoil.

Marseille’s fixture list offers a brief respite. After facing top‑six opponents such as Paris Saint‑Germain, Rennes and Monaco, the side now meets lower‑ranked Troyes, AJ Auxerre and bottom‑placed Le Havre. Victories against these teams are essential if the club hopes to avoid a repeat of Bundesliga collapses like Hamburger SV and Schalke 04, both former Champions League participants now in the second division.

Despite the gloom, the club’s owners have not signalled an immediate change in strategy. The focus remains on meeting financial obligations and stabilising performances, while fans continue to chant for a reversal of fortunes.