Leaks published by the French press, today, Monday, revealed sharp exchanges between Algerian international Haimad Abdali and his coach at Olympique Marseille, Habib Bey.
The two sides entered into a verbal altercation after the match with Nice, yesterday, Sunday, after the coach blamed his midfielder for losing the ball in the shot that preceded the equalizer, which Abdali did not accept at all.
A week after Lorient’s disappointment, the South Club experienced a new difficult evening after missing out on victory against Nice, in the 31st round of the French League. The team was ahead with a goal scored by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, before conceding the equalizer in the last moments from a penalty kick by Elie Wahi, a former player for the club.
This harsh scenario created tension inside the corridors of the Velodrome Stadium. After Abdali entered in the 81st minute, Habib Bey held him responsible for losing the ball in the attack that led to the penalty kick. After he criticized him without naming him in the press conference, he confronted him directly inside the locker room.
Bay said to Abdali: “You cannot enter this way. The others gave everything.” Abdali responded angrily: “Don’t talk to me like that, you are not my father.” The coach replied: “I speak for everyone, not for you alone.”
Since joining Marseille in early February for 2.75 million euros, the 26-year-old player has played 9 matches in various competitions, including only two matches as a starter.
After being one of the best players in the French League during his time with Angers, the Algerian international is facing great difficulties since his move to Olympique Marseille during the last winter transfer period.
