Olympique de Marseille's turbulent season took another twist as coach Habib Beye launched a fierce defense of his position following a narrow 1-0 win over Le Havre. The victory, OM's first in a month, did little to ease the pressure on a manager who feels besieged by what he calls a media conspiracy. In a post-match diatribe, Beye insisted he does not read newspapers or listen to radio shows, but acknowledged that his inner circle keeps him informed of all criticism.
"I have rarely seen such a vendetta against a person," Beye said, referencing alleged false reports about his training methods. The 49-year-old specifically denied that a training session last Wednesday was cut short due to a mistake by star winger Mason Greenwood. According to sources, Beye halted the session 2.5 minutes early, but he claimed it was part of the plan for the week's heaviest workout, not because of any individual error. "What bothers me are the lies about me, about Habib Beye. Not the OM coach. I have no problem with criticism of tactics or results," he added.
However, the incident has become a flashpoint in an already strained dressing room. The team's form has been erratic, and tensions are high across the club. Sporting director Medhi Benatia is reportedly fed up with Greenwood's attitude, while Beye finds himself caught between managing the Englishman's talent and maintaining squad discipline. Players have noted a disparity in treatment: Greenwood can arrive at training as he pleases, while young Bilal Nadir was reprimanded for wearing a beanie and untied laces.
The Greenwood conundrum mirrors the challenges faced by Beye's predecessor, Roberto De Zerbi, who also struggled to balance the attacker's potential with his off-field conduct. With OM languishing in mid-table and Champions League qualification fading, every decision is magnified. Benatia's frustration with Greenwood adds another layer of complexity, as Beye must navigate internal politics while trying to rally a mentally exhausted squad.
The win against Le Havre, secured by a single goal, was far from convincing. OM created few chances and relied on defensive resilience against a relegation-threatened opponent. For a club of Marseille's stature, such performances are unacceptable, and the pressure on Beye is intensifying with each passing week. The coach's outburst suggests a man feeling the heat, desperately trying to regain control.
Beye's relationship with the media has soured, but his focus should be on the pitch. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a clash against a direct rival for European spots, the margin for error is razor-thin. The board, led by president Pablo Longoria, expects progress, and patience is wearing thin. If results do not improve soon, Beye could become the latest casualty in OM's revolving door of managers.
The situation at the Velodrome is a microcosm of broader issues: internal strife, underperformance, and a disconnect between management and players. Beye's future hinges on his ability to unite a fractured squad and deliver results. For now, he has bought himself a week of respite with the win, but the underlying problems remain. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
