Olympique de Marseille have fired Roberto De Zerbi and appointed former Senegal international Habib Beye as their new head coach. The struggling Ligue 1 club made the move after a disastrous run of form that saw them exit the Champions League and fall 12 points behind leaders Lens.

Beye, who previously coached Rennes until his recent dismissal, takes charge immediately ahead of Friday's match against Brest. Marseille's season has unraveled with three consecutive league losses, including a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that sparked fan outrage. The club hopes Beye's disciplinarian approach and emphasis on ball possession can revive their campaign.

Sporting director Medhi Benatia, who resigned on Sunday before reversing course, endorsed the hiring. "The choice of Habib Beye is fully in line with our desire to recruit a coach with the leadership skills needed to take charge of a team that obviously needs to be re-motivated," Benatia said. Marseille owner Frank McCourt emphasized that Beye's appointment "refocuses us on the challenges we still need to tackle" in their quest for a Ligue 1 podium finish and Coupe de France title.