Marcelino in line to land Marseille head coach job

Spanish manager Marcelino is in line to land the currently-vacated Marseille head coach job, according to a report from Foot Mercato. The former Valencia CF and Athletic Club coach may benefit from Les Phocéens’ failures to secure their top targets to replace Igor Tudor. Initially, Marseille president Pablo Longoria and Sporting director Javier Ribalta were hoping to strike a deal with ex-River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo. However, talks reportedly broke down between the Argentine and the southern club with Gallardo not at ease with Marseille providing him an ultimatum on his decision to accept the managerial job.

Marseille then shifted their focus to Lille’s Paulo Fonseca. The former AS Roma coach is tied to Les Dogues with a contract set to expire in 2024, but had informed Lille’s hierarchy he was sought after by Marseille. Club president Olivier Létang reaffirmed that the Portuguese tactician would remain as Lille’s boss. Foot Mercato report that the Marseille board are seriously considering asking Fonseca to force a move from Lille but Marseille, but he is expected to carry on with Lille, who have qualified for the Europa Conference League playoffs courtesy of their fifth-place finish in Ligue 1.

With Gallardo and Fonseca out of the picture, Marseille may resort to pursuing a deal with their “Plan C” is free agent Marcelino. Foot Mercato understand that the Spaniard is close to sealing his arrival at Marseille. The 57-year-old manager has already worked with Longoria, when the latter was Valencia CF’s Technical Director. Marcelino won the Copa del Rey with Los Ches in 2019. He also lifted the Spanish Super Cup at Athletic Bilbao in 2021. He left Athletic one year ago upon the expiry of his contract.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval