Eric Chelle Backed as Strong Candidate for Marseille Job

Former Nîmes head coach Nicolas Usaï has thrown his support behind Eric Chelle as a strong candidate to take over at Olympique Marseille.

The Ligue 1 side is searching for a new manager following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, who left after a heavy defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain.

Chelle, Hervé Renard and Bruno Genesio have all been linked with the vacant post.

Chelle, who guided Nigeria to a third‑place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, remains under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation until January 2027, but his recent success has made him a major contender.

Usaï believes Chelle’s work with the Super Eagles, a squad featuring several Europe‑based stars, could give him an edge. He noted that Renard is tied up with Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, while Genesio’s availability may depend on timing.

‘Hervé Renard is a top coach, but he’s preparing for a World Cup with a national team, and his contract must be difficult to terminate. For Bruno Genesio, the question is one of timing and momentum. In Marseille, they often expect a bold, sometimes unexpected, choice, as was the case with Igor Tudor,’ Usaï said on Talk Show, via lephoceen.

Turning to Chelle, he added: ‘I know him well. He did excellent work with the African national team and some very high‑level players. Why not? In this profession, careers change quickly.’