Genesio: My Role Is to Make Choices and Take Full Responsibility for Them

Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio has insisted that promoting youth players to the first team is not the result of external lobbying. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of their home clash against Toulouse, the tactician emphasized that his selections are guided purely by the players' true quality and readiness.

The manager acknowledged feeling outside pressure regarding academy prospects since the start of the campaign, but remains steadfast in his judgment, even when squad circumstances force his hand.

"I'm well aware of the lobbying around the young players since the start of the season; I'm not naive. The current squad situation forces us to rely on them, but I won't let that cloud my vision," the 60-year-old coach commented.

Genesio explained that his objective is to develop young talents gradually, singling out Antoine Valero as an example of a player with the potential to break through. However, he underlined the exceptionally high standards required to compete in Ligue 1.

"I know exactly what is required to start in the top flight. I base my decisions solely on these criteria and what I observe during training. My role is to make choices and take full responsibility for them, without being influenced by outside noise or the atmosphere around the club," he added.

Marseille are also set to face Levski in the Europa League, with the matchup scheduled to take place in France on November 26 at 19:45.