Marsella has reached an agreement with Spanish coach Marcelino, an experienced and respected coach in the Spanish league, to replace Igor Tudor, according to a source close to the negotiations. Although no details were given on the terms of the deal, it comes shortly before Marsella’s return to training on July 3. The French side is scheduled to play a crucial third preliminary round of the Champions League on August 8 or 9 to determine its participation in the group stage of the prestigious European tournament.
Although other names had been mentioned as possible options, such as Marcelo Gallardo of Argentina or Paulo Fonseca of Portugal, none of those alternatives materialized. Marcelino’s name has been linked with Marsella at every coaching change since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas in 2021.
Marcelino Garcia Toral, 57, who was at Athletic for 18 months before leaving in June 2022, will join Marsella, meaning the club will have a Spanish trio at the helm with president Pablo Longoria and close associate Javier Ribalta.
Longoria and Marcelino have already known each other since 2006, when they met at Recreativo Huelva. They later met at Valencia in 2018, where Marcelino was coach and Longoria held the position of technical director.
Marcelino will take over from Igor Tudor, who was in charge for just one season. Marsella is known for its tendency to change coaches frequently, having previously had Jorge Sampaoli as coach. Pablo Longoria has made it clear that he is looking for a coach capable of implementing an attacking and energetic style of play.
Marcelino has extensive experience managing top clubs in Spanish soccer, having coached Sevilla, Villarreal, and Valencia. In 2019, he won the Copa del Rey with Valencia and will now face his first experience at a foreign club.
Once the coach is officially announced, Marsella will have to manage the composition of the squad and prioritize the eventual renewal of Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez.