Mehdi Benatia backs Habib Beye to revive Marseille’s season

Olympique de Marseille have appointed Habib Beye as their new head coach in a move sporting director Mehdi Benatia says is designed to quickly restore winning momentum and push the club back towards the top of French football.

The Ligue 1 side confirmed on Wednesday evening that the former defender and captain has signed a contract running until June 2027, replacing Roberto De Zerbi.

Beye is expected to take charge of the team immediately, beginning with the away fixture against Stade Brestois 29.

Marseille’s decision comes during a difficult sporting spell, with the club seeking stability and renewed direction.

By turning to a coach closely associated with the club, the hierarchy signalled a preference for familiarity and leadership as it looks to reset performances on the pitch.

Explaining the reasoning behind the appointment, Benatia stressed the importance of strong management during a challenging period.

He said: “The choice of Habib Beye as OM’s new coach is fully in line with our desire to recruit a manager with the necessary leadership to take charge of a group that needs to be remobilized after a difficult period on the pitch.”

According to the same account, Benatia also outlined the expectations attached to the new coach and the urgency of the club’s objectives.

He added: “From our first discussions, he seemed extremely committed and totally focused on the future, with clear objectives for everyone: to quickly get back to winning ways, aim for a place on the Ligue 1 podium and try to win the Coupe de France in order to offer the people of Marseille a trophy.”

Those targets underline Marseille’s ambition to translate managerial change into immediate improvement.

Beye inherits a squad tasked with regaining confidence and consistency, while supporters will look to the new coach to reconnect the team with the standards expected at the club.

His appointment represents both a symbolic and practical reset. With a long-term contract in place and clearly defined goals, Marseille have positioned Beye as a central figure in their attempt to stabilise results and re-enter domestic contention.