"We have already started working on the sequel. We have very clear ideas, discussions with candidates. I believe that they are well advanced and we have a candidate in mind, a privileged track", declared on Friday the president of OM Pablo Longoria, a few hours after the confirmation of the departure of Sampaoli.
If several names have circulated in Marseille, in particular those of the Italian Roberto De Zerbi and the Spaniard Marcelino, it is indeed Igor Tudor who should take OM in hand.
According to L'Equipe, he should sign a two-year contract and is expected in Marseille on Monday.
Former international defender, Tudor (44) is coming off a successful season in Serie A with Hellas Verona, undoubtedly the most successful since the start of his coaching career.
By beating in particular Juventus, Roma or Lazio, his team finished 9th in the Italian championship, with the fifth best attack.
Adept at very aggressive pressing and a three-man defense, he also coached Hajduk Split in his country, Galatasaray in Turkey and Udinese in Italy.
He has never coached in the Champions League.
Like Longoria and OM's new director of football Javier Ribalta, he was also marked by Juventus Turin, where he was a respected defender for eight years.
He returned there in 2020 as Andrea Pirlo's deputy to a mixed experience.
© 2022 AFP