Marseille condemn Bielsa resignation

Marseille have blasted Marcelo Bielsa for dramatically resigning as coach on Saturday, accusing the Argentine of putting his "personal interests well above those of the club".

Bielsa announced his resignation a matter of minutes after a 1-0 loss to Caen, revealing that he had made his decision before the French outfit's Ligue 1 opener because of issues relating to talks over a new contract.

Marseille have now hit back, insinuating that the 60-year-old had been holding the Stade Velodrome side to ransom.

"The leadership of Olympique de Marseille has done everything to offer the club the services of a coach up to the responsibility," read a statement released on Sunday.

"But OM can in no way be a prisoner to someone who places his personal interests well above those of the club.

"Olympique de Marseille are powered by unique values and have a rich enough history to refuse to bow to the will of one man.

"Margarita Louis-Dreyfus and the club management will take all the necessary measures in the coming days to allow OM to experience a season up to its expectations."

Bielsa only took charge of Marseille last summer and inspired a title challenge that ultimately ended in disappointment, with the former European champions finishing fourth in the table, thus missing out on qualification for the Champions League.

The former Athletic Bilbao boss was repeatedly linked with the Mexico national team during the summer but he insisted during his resignation announcement that he will now return to his native Argentina.