Bruno Genesio emerges as Marseille favourite after Lille exit confirmed | OneFootball

Bruno Genesio’s exit from Lille was confirmed on Monday evening, and he now appears more than ever the favourite for the Marseille job. The 59-year-old will be free on 30 June, when his contract ends.

According to L'Équipe, Marseille’s hierarchy have placed Genesio at the top of a shortlist of four to five names, which also includes Christophe Galtier, who has one year left on a deal at the Saudi club Neom.

After two seasons, he leaves Lille in third, securing direct Champions League entry. He went on holiday last week, stopping in Lyon before heading to his home in Saint-Tropez. The move follows a decision he is believed to have been mulling for months.

Despite a gruelling campaign, marked by two personal tragedies in its second half, Genesio feels ready to start a new project. He is valued for dressing-room sensitivity and tactical acumen, and his results give him leverage.

Marseille’s plan is to complete a three-step rebuild, appointing a president, then a sporting director, then a head coach, even though Habib Beye remains under contract. Stéphane Richard, 64, has already arrived as president, and Grégory Lorenzi, 42, is set to join from Brest as sporting director.

Genesio fits the brief and works without an agent, so Richard has already spoken to him directly. Talks are expected to accelerate, and if appointed he would bring his assistant Jérémie Bréchet, 46. A late move to Saudi Arabia also appeals, though a switch closer to Saint-Tropez is possible.

Source: L'Équipe