Bruno Genesio set to leave Marseille after summer strain

Bruno Genesio is set to leave Marseille after a summer in which the coach came close to breaking point with the club. His impending departure adds uncertainty to an OM project already shaped by major financial and squad changes.

Marseille made no signings during the transfer window but sold or loaned eight players. Those exits reduced the wage bill by between 30% and 35%, although the club still fell short of the Ligue 1 financial regulator’s requirements for its projected 2026-27 payroll. Marseille also expects three or four players to extend their contracts on reduced salaries.

The tension around Genesio centred largely on the situation of Igor Paixao. Club president Stephane Richard said the coach did not threaten to resign, but acknowledged that their discussions had approached a rupture. Richard also worked to keep Igor at Marseille, with the final decision resting with majority owner Frank McCourt, who made the necessary financial effort.

Genesio had been recruited by Richard alongside Greg Lorenzi and was viewed by the president as the right coach for Marseille’s challenge. Richard praised his calm, seriousness, ambition and intelligence, but the summer’s strain ultimately preceded the confirmed move towards his departure. OM must now deal with the coaching change while continuing its effort to reduce costs and reshape the squad.