Habib Beye Charts a Fresh Course for Marseille, Departing from De Zerbi’s Approach
Marseille – The arrival of Habib Beye as Olympique de Marseille’s manager in mid-February marked a turning point for the club, following the abrupt departure of Roberto De Zerbi. While Beye has stated his intention not to dismantle the foundations laid by his predecessor, early indications suggest a shift in tactical approach and team selection that is already resonating with supporters. The change comes after a turbulent period for OM, marked by Champions League elimination and a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Roberto De Zerbi’s exit, finalized in early February, stemmed from a challenging run of form that included a disappointing Champions League campaign and a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of PSG. His tenure, though yielding some positive results, was characterized by inconsistency and a perceived inability to fully implement his tactical vision. Beye inherited a team sitting fourth in Ligue 1, just three points behind third-placed Lyon, and still competing in the Coupe de France.
“He’s Returning to Basics”
One of the most striking differences between the managerial styles of De Zerbi and Beye lies in team selection. De Zerbi was known for his constant rotation, never fielding the same starting eleven throughout the 2025-2026 season, even with the demands of multiple competitions. This approach, while understandable given the congested fixture list, often left observers questioning the consistency of the lineup. Now, with Marseille eliminated from the Coupe de France and facing a schedule of one match per week, Beye is expected to rely on a more settled group of players, particularly in midfield.
According to Ludovic Obraniak, speaking on L’Équipe de Greg, Beye is prioritizing stability and a more straightforward tactical setup. “He’s returning to basics, simple. That is to say, he’s going back to a 4-3-3, playing Hojbjerg, Timber and Kondogbia, who had trouble stringing together matches. The three of them, we acquire the impression they’re the ones who will finish the season. I think he’s found his team,” Obraniak stated. This suggests a core midfield trio of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Quinten Timber is taking shape as Beye’s preferred combination.
Obraniak also touched upon the situation with defender Chancel Mbemba Aguerd, who returned from the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in less than peak form. “After, regarding Aguerd… Because the Aguerd who returned from CAN isn’t the one who arrived at the start of the season. I think he’s onto something. Will it hold up over time? You grasp, when you’re too harsh, it doesn’t hold up, when you’re too nice, it doesn’t hold up. That’s why being a coach is a pretty special job.”
The shift in approach isn’t simply about personnel; it’s about a return to fundamental principles. Beye appears to be prioritizing a more pragmatic and consistent approach, aiming to build a solid foundation from which to launch attacks. This contrasts with De Zerbi’s more fluid and experimental tactics, which, while occasionally brilliant, often lacked the consistency needed to secure positive results.
The departure of De Zerbi wasn’t a solitary event. Reports indicate that Pablo Longoria, the club’s president, and Medhi Benatia, a key figure within the organization, were deeply affected by the Italian’s decision to leave. Benatia even reportedly offered his resignation, though it was ultimately rejected by the club. This underscores the sense of upheaval and the desire for stability that prompted the appointment of Beye.
It’s vital to remember that Beye’s appointment came at a critical juncture for Marseille. The club is still in contention for a Champions League spot and has a Coupe de France quarter-final match against Toulouse on March 4th. Success in these competitions will be crucial in restoring confidence and building momentum for the remainder of the season.
The early signs are encouraging. Beye’s focus on establishing a consistent lineup and a more pragmatic tactical approach appears to be a welcome change for many within the club and among the supporters. Whether this new direction will translate into sustained success remains to be seen, but it represents a clear departure from the methods of Roberto De Zerbi and a bold attempt to steer Marseille back on course.
Marseille’s next challenge comes against [insert next opponent and date here – *verification needed*], a match that will provide a further indication of whether Beye’s approach is bearing fruit. Fans will be hoping to notice a more cohesive and consistent performance from their team as they strive to secure a top-three finish in Ligue 1 and compete for silverware in the Coupe de France.
What are your thoughts on Habib Beye’s early tenure at Marseille? Share your opinions in the comments below!
