Robert Pires has warned Marseille against parting ways with coach Marcelo Bielsa this summer, asking the club to ignore his critics.

The Arsenal legend, who turned out for Marseille before setting sail for England with the Gunners, has reminded Marseille that even Arsene Wenger and the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson attracted their share of critics.




And Pires wants Bielsa to remain at the Stade Velodrome to build on this season's fourth place finish in Ligue 1. Indeed, the 41-year-old believes that changing coach would lead to another campaign of transition on the French south coast.

"Strategically, I do not think it would be ideal to part with him after a year, with then having another coach, with other ideas and other beliefs", Pires explained to La Provence.
 

 

"This summer it will be complicated if he leaves, but if he stays, he will need to be relied upon for recruitment", Pires continued, arguing that Bielsa is someone who players want to play for.

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"His name and his experience are attractive.

"He sometimes makes strange choices, but [Jose] Mourinho, Wenger, [Carlo] Ancelotti and Ferguson were also criticised.

"I do not find it normal, but we know that is the fate of every coach."

Marseille finished two points behind third placed Monaco in Ligue 1 this season, despite putting together a strong run of form towards the end of the campaign.

Bielsa's men won four of their last six league games, but it was not enough for the side to force their way into the Champions League spots.

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