Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has broken his silence on reports linking him with French giants Olympique de Marseille, firmly stating that he never engaged in direct discussions with the club.
Speaking during an appearance on the podcast Histoires de foot, Chelle explained that the rumours surrounding a possible move to the Ligue 1 side stemmed from exploratory efforts by his representatives rather than any formal approach from Marseille’s hierarchy.
According to the Malian tactician, his agency had taken the initiative to reach out to several European clubs as part of broader career planning. At the time, Marseille were in the market for a new manager, prompting his representatives to make contact and present his profile. However, Chelle stressed that the outreach did not progress beyond that initial stage.
“I had absolutely no contact with the OM management,” he clarified, distancing himself from suggestions that he had personally pursued the opportunity. He added that he was unaware of whether his name ever made it onto any official shortlist, noting that such details would be known only to his agents.
Chelle also acknowledged his personal affection for the club, revealing that he grew up supporting Marseille. While admitting that the prospect of managing a team he admires would naturally be appealing, he emphasised that he neither sought media attention nor encouraged speculation about a potential switch. He attributed the rapid spread of the story to the amplifying power of social media.
Since taking charge of Nigeria’s national team in January 2025 on a two-year contract, Chelle has overseen a period of renewed optimism for the Super Eagles. Under his leadership, the team secured a commendable third-place finish at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reinforcing confidence in his project and long-term vision for Nigerian football.
By addressing the speculation directly, Chelle appears keen to dispel distractions and maintain focus on his responsibilities with the Super Eagles as preparations continue for upcoming international fixtures.
0 Comments