Rudi Garcia to leave the club at the end of the season

GARCIA: "I AM PROUD TO HAVE COLLABORATED WITH OM"

On his departure

"I decided to leave and I proposed this solution to my president, which he accepted. If I only listened to my determination and my ego, I would stay but if I listen to my common sense and my reason, I have to stop. Why? Because I believe enormously in this project. In two and a half years, I was part of this project and, for the sake of it, I think it's better that I leave now. It has been a great pleasure to coach OM.

"I learned a lot - and not just from the successes at OM, but also the challenges. I'm not just thinking of last year's 77 points and the Europa League final. I think this season has taught me more than any other season. It is a season that was not good enough, because we are not where we want to be. I fully assume responsibility for this failure, for not returning this club to the Champions League. I am proud to have collaborated with OM. I hope Frank McCourt will stay a long time, for the good of the club. My decision to leave has come about little by little. The important thing is that OM progresses through the coming seasons. It's a team that still has resources and potential, more than we have shown this season. I strongly believe in the OM project."

Garcia thanks his players

"I did not come to a press conference without telling the players first. What I said in the dressing room is between them and me. I took the opportunity to thank them, those who were here before I arrived and those who were here this season. They have always performed well, professionally. This is a good group and those who will be there next year will have a role in improving because they have the potential."

His memories

"The worst memory is the match against Rennes last season (defeat 1-3, AET) and my best memory is the game against Leipzig (5-2 win, AET). Just having exeperienced that match versus Leipzig, it was special to me. To experience what we did here against Leipzig will never be forgotten. It shows that OM is a club above the others. I find that the 32 months I spent here have been satisfactory. I prefer to keep all things positive."

On the failed season

"We should have done better. We have a lot of players who were not at their best. The central core is a good representation of success for the future. Our leaders were important but they were not always at their best, each one. It did not turn out as we wanted. The real big disappointment, and even humiliation, was our elimination against Andrézieux in the  Coupe de France. The pivotal moment was certainly OM-Angers (2-2)."

On the rest of his career

"I have no plans to bounce back. But after the moment it's official, there are always things that open. If I see a very interesting project, I will pay attention to it and if it is not the case, I will wait."

On the match of Friday

"The players know what I expect from them: professionalism. We will have to build a defense because Amavi is suspended and Kamara has joined the national team. What we are sure of is that Bouna and Rolando will play. We will see with Adil. Mario did not train normally this week, neither did Adil. There are two more sessions for us to see. Montpellier is a good team. The players showed Toulouse that they were motivated and focused and they will be the same on Friday."

On the non-selection of Mandanda and Lopez

"I'm disappointed for my players and I'm going to talk to them to find out what their state of mind is."

JACQUES-HENRI EYRAUD: "RUDI IS A GREAT COACH"

A tribute to Garcia

"There are few jobs as difficult as coaching. It is a job that requires an exceptional character. Coaches are subject to extraordinary stress and pressure. These tacticians deserve a lot of recognition and respect. I have a lot of respect for Rudi. First of all, because he will always be a coach that brought OM to a European final. I have a lot  admiration for him also, because he has passed the 100 match milestone.