Olympique De Marseille Sacks Habib Beye; Bruno Genesio Appointed

Olympique de Marseille confirmed a major coaching change this week, dismissing Habib Beye and appointing Bruno Genesio. Beye left his role despite leading Marseille to Europa League qualification, while Genesio arrived following two strong seasons with Lille and a long record in Ligue 1 management.

Beye had taken over earlier this year after Roberto De Zerbi departed for Premier League strugglers Tottenham. The 48-year-old former defender, who played for Marseille from 2003 to 2007, was previously sacked by Rennes in February before receiving the chance to return to the Stade Velodrome.

Across all competitions, Beye oversaw 13 matches for Marseille, winning six, drawing two and losing five. During that spell, Marseille scored only seven goals but conceded 18. The team slipped from fourth to fifth in Ligue 1 and ended the season 17 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite that drop, Marseille still secured a Europa League place for next season. However, club leaders decided to end Beye’s tenure on Tuesday and move for Genesio. The decision marked another quick switch in the Marseille dugout, with Genesio becoming the latest coach trusted to stabilise performances.

Genesio joined Marseille after guiding Lille to third place in Ligue 1 in 2025-26 and a Champions League spot. Marseille is the fourth Ligue 1 side managed by Genesio, who previously coached Lyon and Rennes. Genesio has taken charge of 299 top-flight games in France, winning 160, drawing 60 and losing 79.

The incoming Marseille coach therefore holds a Ligue 1 win rate of 53.5 per cent. That record supports Marseille’s view that Genesio can build a competitive squad. Genesio will now attempt to improve Marseille’s attacking output and close the gap to Paris Saint-Germain during the 2026-27 season.

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I chose to join Olympique de Marseille because I was seduced by the challenge that was presented to me, Genesio said. OM is a unique club, with an exceptional history, a strong identity and supporters whose passion is recognised far beyond its borders. I am very happy to be part of this new project. I would like to thank Frank McCourt, Stephane Richard and Gregory Lorenzi for their trust. I can’t wait to start working with all the club’s teams and the players in order to build a group that lives up to Olympique de Marseille’s ambitions.

After leaving Marseille, Beye chose to address supporters and club staff through a message on social media. Beye highlighted the unity within the squad and expressed appreciation for everyone behind the scenes, stressing that the group stayed together despite the challenging run of results.

It was a real privilege to be the coach of Olympique de Marseille, Beye said in a post on social media. I wanted to thank you, supporters, for your passion and support. To all the employees of the club with whom I have had the pleasure of working, as well as all my staff who have accompanied and supported me, I would like to bring them all my admiration and gratitude. To my players, THANK YOU because we have remained together, united and united until the end of our adventure.

Marseille’s schedule gives Genesio an early test in Ligue 1. The 2026-27 campaign begins with a home match against Strasbourg on 22 August. A major early focus will follow, as Marseille face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique on 20 September.

These fixtures, combined with Europa League commitments, create a demanding start for Genesio and Marseille. Beye departs with gratitude towards players, staff and supporters, while Genesio steps into a challenging environment, aiming to match Marseille’s ambitions in France and in Europe.