MARSEILLE, France – A shift is underway at Olympique de Marseille, and it could mean a change in fortunes for key players who thrived under former manager Roberto De Zerbi. New head coach Habib Beye appears prepared to reshape the squad, casting doubt on the roles of defenders Nayef Aguerd and Emerson Palmieri, despite their previous status as integral members of the team.
The potential shakeup comes on the heels of a positive result for Marseille, a weekend victory over Toulouse that propelled the club back into contention for a Champions League spot. Marseille currently sits in third place in Ligue 1, level on points with Olympique Lyonnais, but ahead on goal difference. Beye will be looking to build on this momentum when Marseille hosts AJ Auxerre on Friday, a crucial opportunity to secure a third consecutive league win.
Although, that success against Toulouse was built on a defensive lineup that didn’t include Aguerd or Emerson. Beye opted for a back four of Timothy Weah, Facundo Medina, Leonardo Balerdi, and Benjamin Pavard – a combination that delivered a strong performance. This has led to speculation, supported by reports from Le Phocéen, that the two former mainstays under De Zerbi may find their positions under threat.
A Defensive Transformation?
The change in defensive personnel isn’t necessarily a demotion, but rather a recalibration of priorities under the new manager. As one source close to the club told Le Phocéen, “Emerson and Aguerd are not necessarily being downgraded. But their status is perhaps no longer as untouchable as it was a few weeks ago. And in a season-ending push for European qualification, this questioning could be one of the levers of Marseille’s reconstruction.”
Emerson was an unused substitute in the match against Toulouse, a clear indication of Beye’s preference for other options at left-back. Aguerd, meanwhile, was sidelined due to injury, but his return doesn’t automatically guarantee a starting spot. The Moroccan international will likely compete with Balerdi and Pavard for a place in the central defense.
The situation is particularly intriguing given Aguerd’s recent public tribute to De Zerbi following the Italian manager’s departure. On February 11, 2026, Aguerd posted on social media, expressing gratitude for De Zerbi’s “trust, passion, and intensity,” and wishing him “all the best for the future.” MSN reported on the defender’s message, highlighting the close relationship between player and coach. Yahoo Sports as well covered the story, noting Aguerd’s reaction to De Zerbi’s sacking.
Despite the heartfelt message, Beye’s focus appears to be on building a team that reflects his tactical vision. The success of Balerdi and Pavard against Toulouse – a pairing that had previously faced criticism – has given Beye a viable alternative in central defense. The question now is whether Aguerd can displace either of them upon his return to fitness.
It’s worth remembering that Aguerd was previously ruled out of Marseille’s Champions League match against Newcastle, according to Yahoo Sports, indicating a pre-existing injury concern that has further complicated his situation.
This isn’t simply about individual players; it’s about the direction Beye wants to take the team. The new manager is clearly willing to make tough decisions in pursuit of a cohesive and competitive squad. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Aguerd and Emerson can adapt to Beye’s system and reclaim their places in the starting lineup, or if their time as automatic starters at Marseille is coming to an end.
For Marseille fans, the situation presents a fascinating dynamic. While acknowledging the contributions of Aguerd and Emerson, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s recent performances and the potential for a fresh start under Beye. The focus now shifts to Friday’s match against Auxerre, where Marseille will appear to solidify their position in the top three and demonstrate that they can thrive even without two of their former key players.
Next Up: Olympique de Marseille will host AJ Auxerre on Friday, March 13th at the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, France (9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM EDT). The match represents a key opportunity for Beye’s side to continue their push for European qualification.
What do you think? Can Aguerd and Emerson regain their starting spots, or is this the beginning of a new era for Marseille’s defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
