The coaching carousel in Ligue 1 has taken an intriguing turn as Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, emerges as a surprise candidate to fill the tactical void at Olympique de Marseille. The post became vacant following the unceremonious exit of Roberto De Zerbi, whose tenure collapsed under the weight of a humiliating 5-0 Le Classique defeat and a premature European exit.
While the Marseille board described De Zerbi’s departure as a “collective and difficult” decision born of sporting necessity, the search for a successor has shifted focus toward the international stage.
Chelle, who shattered glass ceilings in 2024 as the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles, has seen his stock rise significantly. His tactical overhaul of the Nigerian national team culminated in a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a campaign defined by a newfound defensive discipline and a lethal attacking identity.
The links between the Malian-French tactician and the Phocéens aren’t merely speculative:
Prior Interest: Marseille reportedly courted Chelle during his successful stint with the Malian national team.
Vélodrome Sighting: Speculation reached a fever pitch after Chelle was spotted in the stands during a recent Coupe de France fixture at Marseille’s home ground.
Tactical Pedigree: His ability to manage high-ego dressing rooms and deliver results in knockout formats aligns with Marseille’s immediate needs.
The Competition
Despite the momentum, Chelle faces a stiff challenge for the role. The sentimental favorite remains Habib Beye. The current Red Star FC manager and former Marseille stalwart is currently viewed as the frontrunner, benefiting from deep-rooted connections to the club’s hierarchy and fan base.
As Marseille looks to salvage their season, the question remains: will they opt for the homecoming of Beye, or the proven international resilience of Chelle?
