TAPIE ADMITS L'OM AMBITION

Tapie led the club to European Cup glory before being banned from sporting activities because of fraud charges, but his return to the club could be the beginning of his return to the helm.

He is not being paid for his new role but has received a 15% stake in the club from current chairman Robert Louis-Dreyfus for a nominal fee.

The stake is worth around 37 million francs and he could receive a further 20% from Dreyfus if he improves the club's fortunes on the pitch - leaving him likely to buy a majority share of the Stade Velodrome side.

"It's not impossible I could give the money to become the majority shareholder of the club one day, even if at the moment I don't have the means," Tapie told French television.

Meanwhile, L'OM players have reacted angrily to Tapie's comments suggesting that they need to change their diet to improve on the pitch.

"Everyone can manage himself, I don't need someone to tell me what to eat before a match or when and how to sleep," said Stephane Trevisan.

Florian Maurice also reacted angrily to Tapie's comments and did not appreciate being told what to do.

"I am a professional, the instructions won't change my habits, I eat properly," said Maurice.