OM begin preseason under new coach Genesio with Ivory Coast camp; Greenwood joins Fenerbahçe

This Wednesday morning, Bruno Genesio will step into the press room at La Commanderie to face the formidable local journalists—those who, as the previous management saw it, "make or break careers in Marseille with pens as sharp as knives." That vision belonged to OM's former leadership under Medhi Benatia, who revelled in excessive confrontation and saw destabilization at every level, from the mixed zone to the locker room. Benatia had no harsh words strong enough to describe Mason Greenwood's daily attitude.

The English striker left Provence for Istanbul this Tuesday and will sign with Fenerbahçe until 2030, while Benatia has stepped back. Facing the media, Genesio and new sporting director Grégory Lorenzi will usher in a new era—hopefully calmer and less toxic. The coach has already begun with kind words for his squad. He did not deliver a grand speech when training resumed on July 6, but he played the appeasement card.

A New Atmosphere

Genesio explained to the players that he understands what they went through last season and how mentally draining it was. He emphasized one key point: they will work hard in serenity. Every day, the 59-year-old coach wants to bring a bit more lightness and tranquility.

The squad has felt the change and appreciates this new work atmosphere, without repeated outbursts or suspicious monitoring of every move. The sports building seems preserved, with fewer employees passing through. Notably absent is Bob Tahri—Benatia's right-hand man, who crystallized the locker room's anger toward the former sporting director in the spring.

So far, the players are sticking to basics in training, and the staff suspects the current squad will look nothing like the one at the end of August.

Ivory Coast Trip: Public Training and Friendly Match

Everyone will fly out Wednesday afternoon for Ivory Coast, for an intense three-day stay in a country that gave birth to a famous Olympian header in January 1967. This trip is a mandatory step to renew the partnership between the Ivorian Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and the club. The first cycle, which began in 2023, ends this summer, and OM hopes for a three-season extension.

Pablo Longoria had not paid much attention to Ivorian requests, which went beyond a "Sublime Côte d'Ivoire" patch on the club's shorts. Commitments were made, and Stéphane Richard, the new president, promised to honor them during his trip to Abidjan in May, right after the end of the championship.

Itinerary Highlights

• Wednesday evening: Formal reception with several government members
• Cultural visit: Tour of a chocolate factory
• Promotional work: Visit to a seaside resort near Abidjan
• Community engagement: Hospital or orphanage visit through the Foundation

Sports Schedule

• Thursday morning: Public training session at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium
• Late Friday afternoon: Friendly match against Yamoussoukro FC at the same venue

In early July, OM's doctors anticipated the trip by offering affected players yellow fever vaccinations at La Commanderie or sending them prescriptions to handle it themselves. Ten days are needed between the injection and departure.