Habib Beye sacked as Olympique de Marseille head coach after four-month spell

Olympique de Marseille announced on Tuesday 30 June that they had ended their working relationship with head coach Habib Beye, just over four months after appointing him to rescue a faltering season.

"Olympique de Marseille announces the end of its collaboration with Habib Beye," the club said in a statement. The club added that it "thanks Habib Beye and wishes him all the best for the rest of his career."

Appointed in February to succeed Roberto De Zerbi, the Senegalese manager failed to meet the targets set by the club's board: to qualify the team for the 2026–27 Champions League and to win the Coupe de France.

A short and difficult tenure

Beye returned to Marseille as manager on 19 February 2026, replacing Roberto De Zerbi. When he took over, Marseille were fourth in Ligue 1, 12 points behind Paris Saint-Germain. They eventually finished 17 points behind the champions, in fifth, securing a place in the Europa League.

Marseille were also eliminated in the Coupe de France quarter-finals by Toulouse FC, after a 2–2 draw and a 4–3 defeat on penalties. In total, Beye won six of the 14 matches he managed from the dugout, suffering six defeats and two draws.

His departure had been decided several weeks ago, but some contractual details still needed to be settled and took time to finalise.

A familiar face returning home

Beye was born on 19 October 1977 in Suresnes, France, to Senegalese parents, and holds dual French-Senegalese nationality. He represented the Senegal national team, earning 45 caps between 2001 and 2008.

Beye signed a three-year contract at Marseille on 6 August 2003, for a reported fee of €1.2 million. He was captain of the club for two years prior to his move to Newcastle United. His appointment as coach in February was widely described as a homecoming.

As a coach, Beye was first hired by Red Star in 2021 and led the club to the Championnat National title in 2023–24. He was then appointed at Rennes in Ligue 1, and moved to Marseille after his dismissal in February 2026.

Genesio expected to take charge

Bruno Genesio is set to put pen to paper on a two-year deal as Marseille manager, according to a report from L'Équipe. Genesio is set to replace Beye, according to French media, having come to the end of his Lille contract.

Despite leading Lille back into the UEFA Champions League, Genesio did not lead them on their European campaign. Marseille have not yet issued an official statement confirming the appointment.

French media reports suggest Genesio, who has managed top-tier teams including Olympique Lyonnais and Stade Rennais, is likely to take over coaching duties at the Stade Vélodrome. He is expected in Marseille for the resumption of pre-season training on 6 July.