Marcelo Bielsa Poised to Take Over at Marseille, Confirms Club President
Marseille, France – Olympique de Marseille president Vincent Labrune has confirmed that Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa is expected to take charge of the club next season, following a verbal agreement reached between the two parties.
Speaking after OM’s goalless draw with Lille in Ligue 1 on Sunday, Labrune stated:
“An agreement in principle has been signed. In spirit, we agree with Marcelo Bielsa. We agree on the sporting project in particular. We have an agreement in principle which is now subject to the drafting of contracts and the legal aspects. Without falling into absolute euphoria, we can consider that we are confident that this matter will be completed. I can say that we will have a very good coach for next season.”
The announcement brings clarity to weeks of speculation surrounding the club’s next managerial appointment. Bielsa, 58, has been without a club since parting ways with Athletic Bilbao at the end of last season. His name had frequently surfaced as a top candidate to replace interim coach José Anigo, who stepped in following the departure of Elie Baup earlier in the campaign.
Bielsa is renowned for his intense tactical approach and high-pressing philosophy, having built a loyal following among football purists and players alike. He gained international acclaim after guiding Argentina to Olympic gold in 2004 and leading Chile to the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. His stint at Athletic Bilbao further enhanced his reputation, where he took the Basque club to the UEFA Europa League final in 2012.
His pending arrival at Marseille is being hailed as a coup for the Ligue 1 side, who are looking to rebuild after a turbulent season and restore their place among France’s elite.
However, Bielsa’s reported decision comes as a blow to Morocco. The North African nation, set to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, had been strongly courting the Argentine tactician to take charge of their national team. With the tournament on home soil and ambitions to win it, the Moroccan Football Federation had viewed Bielsa as the ideal figure to lead that challenge.
While the deal with Marseille is not yet fully finalised, Labrune’s optimism suggests formalities are the only remaining hurdle. Should the contract be signed in the coming days, Bielsa will return to the touchline in one of Europe’s most passionate football cities, tasked with reviving the fortunes of a club steeped in history but short on recent success.
Whether Morocco will make a last-minute push to sway Bielsa remains to be seen. But as things stand, Marseille appears to have secured one of the most enigmatic and respected minds in modern football.
