Olympique de Marseille Confirm Habib Beye Appointment, End Eric Chelle Pursuit

Olympique de Marseille Confirm Habib Beye Appointment, End Eric Chelle Pursuit

By Niyi Busari 

Olympique de Marseille have ended their pursuit of Nigeria national team coach Eric Chelle and have appointed former club captain Habib Beye as their new head coach, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Chelle had been among the candidates considered to replace Roberto De Zerbi but is no longer in contention for the role. The former Mali manager, who currently has an existing contract with Nigeria, recently changed representation, parting ways with the agent who brokered his appointments with both Mali and Nigeria in favour of French-based agency Wilders Sport.

Marseille have instead moved decisively for Beye, reaching an agreement in principle before confirming his appointment. The former Senegal international has signed an 18-month contract, marking a return to the Stade Vélodrome where he once wore the captain’s armband.

Beye began his professional playing career at RC Strasbourg in the late 1990s, establishing himself as a dependable and combative right-back. His performances earned him a move to Marseille in 2003, where he quickly became a central figure in one of French football’s most demanding environments.

Renowned for his defensive discipline, leadership qualities and consistency, Beye gained the trust of successive managers and teammates. His influence within the squad eventually saw him named captain.

In 2007, he moved to England to join Newcastle United, later featuring for Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers before concluding his playing career.

Beye transitioned into coaching in 2021, taking charge of Red Star FC. There, he implemented a structured and disciplined approach, guiding the club to promotion from the Championnat National and earning recognition for his tactical organisation and leadership.

He most recently spent 18 months at Stade Rennais, departing last week before swiftly securing what many view as a dream return to Marseille — this time in the dugout rather than on the pitch.

Beye now faces the challenge of restoring stability and momentum at a club with significant expectations and a demanding support base.