Habib Beye explains decision to bench Ethan Nwaneri in Nice clash

Ethan Nwaneri has been sent a clear message by Olympique Marseille boss Habib Beye after being left out of the starting XI against Nice, despite the team’s shortage of attacking options.

The 19-year-old Arsenal loanee was only named among the substitutes, even with Hamed Traore, Igor Paixão, and Amine Gouiri all unavailable for selection. Beye later explained that the decision was about standards in training rather than raw talent.

“He is a quality player, but he has to give us way more in his day-to-day commitment. Other players gave way more,” Beye said, making it clear that effort and consistency will decide Nwaneri’s minutes.

So far, Nwaneri has yet to start a game under the new Marseille head coach and is currently logging only about five more minutes per match than he managed at Arsenal earlier this season. For a teenager hoping to make a breakthrough in Ligue 1, Beye’s comments underline that improving his daily application on the training ground is essential if he wants a regular place in the team.