Jean-Pierre Papin Declines FC Martigues Coaching Offer

Former French football star Jean-Pierre Papin has reportedly turned down an offer to become the new head coach of FC Martigues, a struggling Ligue 2 club. Despite initial interest in returning to first-team management, Papin’s enthusiasm waned due to the club’s challenging situation and recent poor performances.

FC Martigues, based in a town near Marseille, has been searching for a new head coach since mid-December when they parted ways with Thierry Laurey. The newly promoted side currently finds itself at the bottom of the Ligue 2 table, six points behind their nearest competitor.

Papin’s decision was reportedly influenced by Martigues’ dire league position and their recent humiliating defeat to amateur side Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Coupe de France. The 4-1 loss seems to have been a significant factor in Papin’s choice to decline the offer.

Instead of taking on the challenge at FC Martigues, it is expected that Papin will continue his current role as head coach of Olympique de Marseille’s reserve team, at least until the end of the current season. This decision allows Papin to maintain his connection with OM, a club where he enjoyed great success as a player.