Olympique de Marseille have begun the search for a new head coach following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, with former player Habib Beye and Eric Sékou Chelle emerging as the leading candidates for the vacancy.
The club announced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that it had reached a mutual agreement to part ways with De Zerbi.
The decision followed a humiliating 5-0 home defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain and a disappointing exit from the Champions League.
Despite guiding Marseille to a second-place finish last season, the Italian’s recent tactical choices and a 12-point gap behind PSG prompted the club’s hierarchy to seek a “change at the helm” to address the sporting challenges of the season’s final stretch.
Habib Beye, a former Marseille captain, has been identified as the frontrunner for the position. Beye is currently a free agent after being relieved of his duties at Stade Rennais on Monday, following a string of poor results and reported squad tensions.
Despite his recent exit from Rennes, his deep connection to Marseille and his previous success leading Red Star FC to promotion have kept him at the top of the club’s shortlist. Beye has previously stated he would ‘run there’ if the club showed interest.
Also under serious consideration is Eric Sékou Chelle, the current head coach of the Nigeria national team.
Chelle, a former Malian international who spent his entire playing career in France, has seen his stock rise after leading Nigeria to AFCON 2025 bronze after an earlier stint at native Mali.
Intermediaries have reportedly put his name forward to the Marseille board, citing his extensive knowledge of the French game and his proven tactical ability on the international stage.
While he remains contracted to Nigeria, the prospect of a return to Ligue 1 is seen as a significant draw for the 48-year-old tactician.
