Sarri, Mokwena, and Conceição: Who Could Marseille Hire as Their New Coach?

Olympique de Marseille is one of France’s most storied football clubs, and once again it finds itself searching for a new head coach to steer the team toward success. Among the potential candidates, three names have garnered significant attention: Maurizio Sarri, Rulani Mokwena, and Sérgio Conceição. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, but who would be the best fit for Marseille?

While we can’t know for sure, we can examine the most likely candidates and determine who might be the best fit. So, let’s do exactly that: here’s who Marseille could hire as their new coach.

Maurizio Sarri

Maurizio Sarri, known for his “Sarri-ball” philosophy, is a tactician with a penchant for possession-based football. His managerial career includes notable stints at Napoli, Chelsea, and Juventus, where he demonstrated his ability to instil a clear playing style and achieve results. At Napoli, Sarri’s team played some of the most eye-catching football in Europe, pushing Juventus to the brink in the Serie A title race.

Sarri’s approach emphasises quick, short passes, high pressing, and fluid movement, which could resonate well with Marseille’s ambitions to play exciting football. His experience in managing big clubs and handling the pressures that come with them is a significant advantage. At Chelsea, Sarri won the Europa League, proving his capability to deliver silverware.

However, Sarri’s tenure at Juventus highlighted some potential drawbacks. His rigid adherence to his tactical philosophy sometimes clashed with the players’ strengths, leading to mixed results. Adapting his style to Marseille’s current squad and the unique demands of Ligue 1 would be crucial.

Additionally, Sarri’s occasionally intense personality has led to friction with club hierarchies in the past - something Marseille would need to manage carefully.

Rulani Mokwena

Next we have Rulani Mokwena, who is currently making waves in South African football. As co-coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokwena has shown his tactical acumen and leadership qualities, helping the team to dominate the South African Premier Division. His innovative ideas and ability to maximise his players’ potential have earned him praise as one of the most promising young coaches in football.

Hiring Mokwena would be a bold move, signalling Marseille’s commitment to fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. His success with Mamelodi Sundowns suggests he can build a cohesive, winning team, and his emphasis on youth development aligns with Marseille’s strategy of nurturing young talent.

However, Mokwena’s relative inexperience at the highest levels of European football could be a concern. The transition from South African football to Ligue 1 is significant, and Mokwena would need to adapt quickly to the tactical and physical demands of the league. Additionally, he would have to manage the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with leading a club like Marseille, which expects consistent success.

The future of Rulani Mokwena coaching career isn’t set in stone, but despite his inexperience, he could end up being an excellent fit for Marseille.

Sérgio Conceição

Sérgio Conceição, currently at the helm of FC Porto, has built a reputation as a no-nonsense, results-oriented manager. His tenure at Porto has been marked by domestic success and impressive performances in European competitions. Conceição’s teams are known for their tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and ability to perform under pressure.

His experience in European competitions, including deep runs in the UEFA Champions League, would be invaluable to Marseille. His ability to organise a strong defence and instil a winning mentality could help stabilise the club and achieve their ambitions. Conceição’s pragmatic approach ensures that his teams are tough to beat, which could be crucial in the competitive environment of Ligue 1.

One potential downside to Conceição’s style is that it may not align perfectly with Marseille’s desire for attractive football. His pragmatic, sometimes conservative tactics prioritise results over aesthetics, which might not sit well with a fan base that values flair and excitement. Additionally, his large personality and strong opinions has occasionally led to conflicts with players and club officials.

Conclusion

So, who do you think is next in line to be coach at Marseille? Regardless of opinion, each individual has their own unique play styles and tactics, and any one of them could bring the club to new heights under the right circumstances. For now, we just have to hold tight and wait to see who’s appointed. If it’s any of these coaches, Marseille will be in good hands. See you next time!