Marseille coach Villas-Boas expects to go when season ends

Posted January 29, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

MARSEILLE, France (AP) - Andre Villas-Boas is preparing to leave Marseille at the end of the season, the Portuguese coach said Friday.

After a strong start to the season, Marseille has dropped down to sixth place. The team is 13 points behind second-place Lille and an automatic Champions League spot, and 11 behind third-place Lyon.

Villas-Boas was asked if he'll go when his contract ends in June.

'œOf course, yes, I think so. Given the position that we're in, that's fairly normal,'ť Villas-Boas said ahead of Saturday's game against Rennes. 'œIt goes against what the directors are saying, but it will be the end.'ť

The Portuguese coach guided Marseille to a second-place finish last season in his first season in charge, but he does not expect to be offered a new deal given the current situation.

'œI don't think it's possible. Look, we're a massive distance away from the podium (top three positions). I'm not going to contest that," he said. "Next season will be a year zero for the club, a total cleaning up. It's good to create solid foundations for the future.'ť

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Marseille's head coach Andre Villas-Boas reacts during the French League One soccer match between Marseille and Lens at the Veledrome stadium in Marseille, France, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) The Associated Press

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