Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

Michel to continue with legal action following Marseille sacking

Former Marseille coach Michel, who is currently suing the club for wrongful dismissal, claims he was sacked because he accused a player of doping.

Michel signed a two-year contract when he succeeded Marcelo Bielsa in August 2015.

However, he was sacked in April after his position was undermined not only by the Ligue 1 club's poor performances on the pitch, but also by friction between himself and then-club president Vincent Labrune off it.

Michel told Cadena Ser a list of mistakes had been drawn up by the club to justify his dismissal. 

"Not wearing club clothes, accusing a player of doping, that sort of thing," he said. "This story is not over because they don't want to respect a watertight contract that all coaches have. In France, you always sign for two years."

A conciliation hearing between the Real Madrid legend and OM is set for March next year in a Marseille court after the club accused Michel of gross misconduct, meaning he would not receive any compensation for the premature end of his contract.

"We're in the middle of a procedure and in principle they'll have to pay me," Michel, who was replaced by his assistant coach, Franck Passi, said.

"I'm sorry that it's like this with Olympique de Marseille, the club doesn't deserve it. They're a club I follow and I want them to win because the current coach is Franck Passi, and he's a friend."

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