Habib Beye remains favourite, ‘to replace’ Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille have identified Habib Beye as their leading candidate to replace Roberto De Zerbi, although talks are complicated by his dispute with Stade Rennais.

Beye was dismissed by Rennes earlier this week, a day before De Zerbi’s departure was confirmed. He remains popular at the Vélodrome after four seasons between 2003 and 2007. According to La Provence and L’Équipe, he is seeking compensation equivalent to 18 months’ salary, with his contract due to expire in six months and carrying a one year option triggered by European qualification.

At the time of his dismissal, Rennes were sixth in Ligue 1, in a provisional UEFA Europa Conference League spot. The club are considering a gross misconduct dismissal and an LFP conciliation meeting is expected next week. Until the dispute is resolved, OM cannot formalise any agreement.

The timeline of Marseille’s interest is contested. Some sources suggest initial contact may have come in late January after OM’s Champions League exit in Bruges, before Rennes’ Coupe de France victory at the Vélodrome intensified internal tensions. Marseille have officially denied any improper approach to La Provence.

Sporting director Medhi Benatia reportedly met Beye in Paris on Thursday, before, according to L’Équipe, he leaked to the press that OM were interested in Igor Tudor, now Tottenham interim, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

Club president Pablo Longoria reportedly has excellent relations with Beye’s agents and will meet owner Frank McCourt at the Vélodrome to discuss the new coach before Strasbourg visit this afternoon.

Beye’s managerial résumé remains limited. He took charge of Rennes in January 2025 with the club 16th and guided them to 12th. This season he had lifted them to sixth before his abrupt dismissal.

Interim coach Jacques Abardonado is currently in temporary charge for a second spell after De Zerbi’s exit earlier this week.

Source: GetFootballNewsFrance.com