Habib Beye Appointed Coach of Olympique de Marseille

omidbasir- Roberto De Zerbi has mutually agreed to part ways with Olympique de Marseille following a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique. In his stead, the club has appointed Habib Beye as head coach on a one-and-a-half-year contract. Beye, a former Senegal international, was recently available after being dismissed from his position at Ligue 1 rivals Rennes, just days before De Zerbi’s exit.

In a club statement, Olympique de Marseille expressed enthusiasm over Beye’s appointment: “Olympique de Marseille is pleased to announce the appointment of Habib Beye as coach of the professional team.”

“Habib Beye has carved out a unique career path in French football, first as a combative and respected player, then as an ambitious and thoughtful coach. He quickly embraced coaching, eager to return to the pitch and finding his place on the sidelines. In 2021, he took charge at Red Star FC, where he established a clear identity focused on discipline, intensity, and ambition. His management style emphasized high standards and player accountability, mirroring the values he demonstrated as a player. A national champion in 2004, Beye successfully led Red Star to Ligue 2 before departing for Stade Rennais.”

“Tuesday, February 18, 2018, marks Habib Beye’s return to Olympique de Marseille. From the green turf of the Orange Velodrome to the touchline at Boulevard Michelet stadium, he seems to have come full circle. However, the most challenging tasks lie ahead, guided by the core principles that defined his playing career: leadership, hard work, and passion.”

In their first match following De Zerbi’s departure, Marseille hosted Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, at the Stade Velodrome. The supporters displayed their discontent by vacating one stand before kick-off, with reports indicating some attempted to storm the presidential suite.

Under caretaker manager Jacques Abardonado, Marseille initially took the lead through Mason Greenwood, with Amine Gouiri doubling the advantage shortly after halftime. Nevertheless, Sebastian Nanasi reduced the deficit for Strasbourg, and Joaquin Panichelli equalized with a penalty in the 97th minute, securing a draw for the visitors.

On Sunday, Mehdi Benatia resigned as sporting director but was reinstated shortly thereafter on a deal until the season’s end. Club president Pablo Longoria continues to face criticism from fans amid a tumultuous season on France’s south coast.

Equipped with forwards including Mason Greenwood and Ethan Nwaneri, Beye will aim to secure his first victory as Marseille’s boss in an away match against Brest on Friday evening.