MARSEILLE, France — Olympique de Marseille (OM) has officially appointed former club captain Habib Beye as its new head coach, marking a swift attempt to stabilize a season that has descended into administrative and competitive chaos. The announcement, confirmed Friday, February 20, 2026, comes just one week after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi and a tumultuous “will-he-won’t-he” resignation saga involving sporting director Medhi Benatia.
Beye, who was recently dismissed from Ligue 1 side Rennes, returns to the Stade Vélodrome at a critical juncture. The club, nicknamed Les Phocéens, has seen its title aspirations evaporate in recent weeks. While Marseille was widely expected to be the primary challenger to Paris Saint-Germain this season, they have instead “dropped more points” following a sloppy 1-1 draw against Strasbourg that featured a devastating stoppage-time penalty and fan protests against American owner Frank McCourt.
Front Office Volatility and Benatia’s Return
The coaching change is only one layer of the upheaval at the 67,394-capacity Vélodrome. Sporting director Medhi Benatia sent shockwaves through the French football community by resigning earlier this week, citing a desire to “restore the club to its rightful place” amid internal friction. However, in a stunning reversal three days ago, McCourt confirmed that Benatia would remain in his role until the end of the season to provide some semblance of continuity.
The instability has reportedly unsettled high-profile squad members. Reports suggest that Mason Greenwood may seek a move away from the club due to the ongoing public turmoil. Meanwhile, Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri, who had been a consistent starter, faces an uncertain role under the new management after a week of “upheaval and manager decisions” that saw him linked to the center of the club’s internal disputes.
Disciplinary Woes and League Standing
Marseille’s struggles have extended to the European stage. Following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge, UEFA hit the club with fresh sanctions due to the behavior of supporters. This disciplinary action adds to the pressure on Beye, who must now navigate a fractured locker room and a disgruntled fanbase.
As of February 20, 2026, Marseille finds itself slipping further down the Ligue 1 table. While rivals Lens have surged to the top of the league following a 5-0 rout of Paris FC, and Olympique Lyon celebrates a 15-game winning streak, OM is currently fighting to remain in the European qualification spots. Analysts suggest that while Beye’s appointment brings a legendary figure back to the dugout, the “aggressive offensive style” of the squad remains a high-risk strategy during such a volatile period.
Club Profile: Olympique de Marseille
- Founded: 1892 by René Dufaure de Montmirail
- Home Ground: Stade Vélodrome (Capacity: 67,394)
- Major Honors: 1x Champions League, 9x Ligue 1 Titles, 10x Coupe de France
- Current Owner: Frank McCourt
- Head Coach: Habib Beye (Appointed Feb 2026)