My agent offered me to Olympique Marseille – Nigeria coach Eric Chelle reveals

Nigeria coach Éric Chelle has addressed recent speculation about a potential move to Olympique de Marseille, insisting that his connection to the French club was blown out of proportion.

The Malian trainer was linked to the French side following the dismissal of Roberto de Zerbi. However, former Senegal star Habib Beye has returned to the club as the new head coach of the club.

Speaking on the Histoires de Foot podcast, Chelle explained that he signed with an agency to advance his coaching career, and that the representatives approached several European clubs, including Marseille, after the Ligue 1 side began searching for a manager.

“I signed with an agency in order to evolve and grow as a coach. My agents decided to approach certain clubs in Europe, particularly in France. At that time, OM was looking for a coach. My agency contacted the club to propose me. We didn’t do anything more than that. Shortlist or not, I had no contact.”

He also downplayed the notion that he personally lobbied for the position.

“After that, you should ask my agent if I was on a list or not. Since I’m from the region, I chat with a few friends who ask me if I’d like it. I am a supporter of OM, and if someone asks me that, of course, I would like it. But in no case did I ask for it to be communicated. With social networks, it just blew up.”

Chelle’s comments underline the role of social media in amplifying rumours, particularly in football, where speculation often takes on a life of its own.

Chelle is expected to announce his squad ahead of next month’s international window, in which Nigeria will compete against Iran, Jordan, and Costa Rica in a four-nation tournament in Amman, Jordan.