Marseille in discussions with Marcelo Gallardo amid Monaco interest | OneFootball

With Igor Tudor’s departure from Marseille confirmed last week, the search is on for a successor to the Croatian, which Ligue 1’s third-placed side will look to wrap up as quickly as possible.

RMC Sport indicate that club president Pablo Longoria, alongside Director of Football Javier Ribalta, are leading the recruitment process and intend to meet with several candidates before making a final decision.

Despite Longoria’s Spanish links, neither former Athletic Club manager Marcelino nor Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola are expected to join. The latter is being targeted by Celta Vigo.

La Provence had indicated earlier this week that, surprisingly, soon-to-be former PSG coach Christophe Galtier was on Marseille’s shortlist. RMC have confirmed that Longoria holds Galtier in high esteem. However, moving straight from PSG to Marseille (despite Galtier being from the city) could see backlash from fans, as well as the recent accusations of racism against the former Nice coach. Nevertheless, Longoria wants to take football-related criteria into account first and foremost.

RMC add that discussions have already taken place between former River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo, his agent, and Marseille. The Argentine is keen on managing in Europe, and has attracted interest from other clubs. These include Spanish clubs, but also Monaco, where he stayed for four seasons during his playing days. Gallardo is said to be ambitious and demanding with regard to the recruits he will ask for, and for the time being the Marseille upper management is proceeding with caution with regard to the prospect of seeing the former attacking midfielder in the dugout next season.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin