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Mercato OM: 8 names to replace Tudor!

02/06/23 10:08 by Fabien Borne

Who will replace Igor Tudor, who announced on Thursday that he would be leaving OM at the end of the season? The name game is already in full swing. We take stock.

Igor Tudor had slowly but surely established the idea that he wouldn't be staying on the OM bench for long. On Thursday, the Croatian confirmed the news at a press conference also attended by Pablo Longoria and Javier Ribalta.

Igor Tudor did not go into detail about the reasons for his choice, and it seems that everyone wanted to leave on good terms, without making waves. Unlike last year, when Jorge Sampaoli quit at the beginning of July just after training had resumed, OM have a month to find a new coach, with pre-season due to start on July 3, according to La Provence.

As is the case whenever the OM bench becomes available, numerous agents are offering their coaches to the Phocaean club, and many media outlets are pulling names out of their hat. According to La Provence, OM has not entered into any discussions at this stage, which does not prevent several profiles from being associated with the club.

Marcelino, not a priority

The one that naturally comes up, as it has for several years now, is that of Marcelino, the experienced Spanish coach who has been free since leaving Athletic Bilbao at the end of last season. Marcelino worked with Pablo Longoria at Valencia, and the two men are close friends.

However, according to La Provence, Marcelino has not been contacted by OM, while L'Equipe insists that this is not a priority for the Olympic staff. Next?

Gallardo proposed and at the top of the list?

On Thursday evening, FootMercato revealed that Marcelo Gallardo was "right at the top" of the pile for Marseille, who have been free since leaving River Plate last December. Having won almost everything with the Argentinian club, the former Monaco and PSG player is keen to pursue his coaching career in Europe.

In today's edition, L' Equipe does not confirm OM's interest in Gallardo, but explains that he has been offered to the Phocaean club, which is not quite the same thing. According to AS, the Argentinian and his entourage like OM. It remains to be seen whether the feeling is mutual.

Longoria has her eye on Serie A

Another name to be linked with OM in recent hours is Paulo Fonseca. According to the Sports Zone Twitter account, the Portuguese coach of LOSC is Pablo Longoria's second preferred option after... Marcelino. In addition to Marcelo Gallardo, FootMercato has also mentioned four other names in recent hours.

Raffaele Palladino (Monza) and Vincenzo Italiano (Fiorentina) are two of the most popular young Serie A coaches, and no doubt Pablo Longoria has his eye on their progress. Two complicated leads, however, as the former has just extended his contract, while the latter is being followed by Napoli, who are looking for a successor to Luciano Spalletti.

FM also mentionsAnge Postecoglou, Celtic's Australian coach (rumoured to be close to Tottenham by the Scottish press) and Daniel Sousa, a young Portuguese coach at the end of his contract with Gil Vicente and former assistant to André Villas-Boas at OM.

A French option cannot be ruled out

Lastly, according to L'Equipe, a French approach is not out of the question for OM. A few days ago, the daily revealed that Franck Haise was being monitored by Marseille's directors, but the latter is under contract with Lens until 2027, and it's hard to see him leaving when he's just qualified his club for the Champions League.

To sum up, there are many names associated with Marseille, but nothing very concrete at this stage. One trend is emerging, however. According to L'Equipe, Pablo Longoria still wants "physical and intense soccer" for his future OM, and will therefore take on a coach with a playing philosophy fairly close to that of Igor Tudor.

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