OM: The Surprise Arrival of Dr. Monnot After a Turbulent Departure

Damien Monnot, new doctor of OM: an arrival full of challenges

Friends, let's talk frankly: Olympique de Marseille has just recruited Damien Monnot as the club's new doctor for the 2025-2026 season. We're not talking about a name that came out of nowhere! After three seasons at LOSC, here he is in our city, in the Phocean city, ready to join Roberto De Zerbi's staff. But what can we expect from this choice? Should we get excited or remain cautious? Let's break it all down together.

A departure that makes waves in Lille

You probably read it in L'Equipe: Monnot's departure from LOSC happened in an electric atmosphere. To recap, the Zhegrova affair set things off. In January, the Lille winger underwent surgery for recurring muscle problems, a medical decision that clearly displeased Olivier Létang, especially after refusing a lucrative offer from Naples. Result: Zhegrova sidelined, Naples going after Noa Lang, and Monnot packing his bags. Coincidence? We have reason to doubt it!

According to some, this medical transfer is as much a personal choice as pressure from the Lille management. And you, what do you see behind this tense departure? Tell us in the comments, it's sure to spark debate!

A solid career between rugby and pro football

One thing is certain, Monnot's profile is far from ordinary. Before football, he was already working in high-level sports, notably at Union Bordeaux-Bègles in rugby and with the French U20 team, the Bleuets. Suffice to say, he knows what it means to manage bodies under severe strain, whether on the field or in the locker rooms.

So, is it a good pick for our OM? We all know, with the dense and international squad being prepared for next season, injury management will be crucial. We're going to be competing on all fronts—league, European cup—and we can no longer afford the physical slumps that ruin a season. On that level, Monnot's multi-sport experience might just make a difference, right?

What risks and expectations for OM?

Let's be honest: bringing in a doctor coming from a conflict-ridden context always carries some risk. Will he succeed in integrating into an environment as heated as ours? Will his methods align with De Zerbi's and the locker room's demands? On the other hand, this type of comeback in a club as high-profile as OM could be the trigger to prove his worth.

Financially, it’s a key position but doesn't weigh heavily on the budget compared to the millions for a player. Sportingly, however, if Monnot manages to limit the damage on the injury front, that's where we'll see his real impact. Last year, Lille managed well on several fronts, let's hope that expertise arrives with him in Marseille!

And you, convinced or skeptical?

So friends, happy to see Monnot join the Olympian staff or would you have bet on a different profile? Do you believe in the positive effect of his rugby/football experience or does it leave you puzzled after the Lille episode? Tell us everything in the comments, we want your analyses, your doubts, and your hopes for what's next! Together, we will follow this closely, because at OM, every detail counts.