Didier Deschamps admits a confusing end to the transfer window has left Marseille in the same position as they started the summer.
Marseille coach reflects on a frustrating summer at Stade Velodrome
Didier Deschamps admits a confusing end to the transfer window has left Marseille in the same position as they started the summer.
The Ligue 1 outfit were expected to move a number of players out during the transfer window, with Lucho Gonzalez and Andre-Pierre Gignac among them.
However, Lucho eventually decided to stay and a proposed loan switch for Gignac, involving Premier League outfit Fulham, failed to materialise.
Deschamps admits he had been hoping for a more productive summer, but hopes he can bring the best out of those he has at his disposal.
"We had two very restless days at the end of the summer transfer window," he told
L'Equipe.
Energy
"Everyone lost a lot of energy and we have ended up back where we started."
On Gignac, Deschamps added: "His pride has been hurt and I can understand that. It has been difficult for him.
"The best solution would have been to sign a new forward and keep Gignac, but it was impossible on an economic level.
"I have not lost trust in him. I told him that in June. We have invested a lot in him and it is now up to him to prove that he can be outstanding."
Meanwhile, Marseille have been informed that Nicolas Nkoulou must serve a three-match ban after the defender was seen treading on St Etienne striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle during a recent 0-0 draw.
