Super Eagles star Tochukwu Nnadi is faced with yet another managerial change that will see him work with his third different coach at French club Olympique de Marseille, Soccernet.ng reports.
Marseille have started a new chapter after appointing former Lille manager Bruno Genesio as their new head coach. It is a move that could be good news for Nigerian midfielder Nnadi.
Genesio has agreed to a contract that will keep him at Marseille until June 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by another year until 2029, according to a report from L’Equipe. He joins immediately after leaving Lille when his contract expired and is expected to begin work when Marseille's players return for pre-season on July 6.
The appointment comes after several weeks of negotiations. Although both sides reached a verbal agreement in early June, the deal was delayed because Marseille first needed clarity over UEFA's financial ruling.
UEFA eventually confirmed that Marseille would not be removed from next season's UEFA Europa League. However, the French club must pay a €10 million fine and finish the current transfer window with a positive balance sheet.
Genesio's arrival also brings major changes behind the scenes. Interim coach Habib Beye is expected to leave after failing to qualify the club for the UEFA Champions League, while Sporting Director Grégory Lorenzi and Club President Stéphane Richard are also leading a wider rebuilding project at the club.
Nnadi: Why the new coach could help Super Eagles star
Despite interest from clubs in the English Premier League, 22-year-old Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has decided to remain at Marseille and fight for his place under the new manager.
Genesio is known for his attacking, possession-based style of football. His teams usually play in a 4-2-3-1 or attacking 4-4-2 formation, with two holding midfielders playing a key role. Those midfielders are expected to help build attacks from deep, protect the defence and win the ball back quickly after losing possession.
That system suits Nnadi's qualities. The Nigerian is strong in midfield, works hard defensively and is comfortable on the ball. He is capable of breaking up opposition attacks, making accurate long passes and helping his team move the ball forward. He has also shown that he can support attacks with crosses and long-range efforts when needed.
However, earning a regular starting place will not be easy. Nnadi must compete with experienced midfielders such as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Quinten Timber and Angel Gomes for a place in Genesio's preferred double-pivot.
He will also need to improve his discipline after picking up too many fouls and a couple of cards last seasons. Genesio's tactical system demands quick decision-making, controlled aggression and excellent positioning, meaning Nnadi must avoid unnecessary bookings while maintaining his defensive intensity.
Staying at Marseille instead of moving to England shows the Nigerian midfielder's confidence in his own ability. Under Genesio, he now has a fresh opportunity to develop his game and establish himself as an important player for both Marseille and the Super Eagles.
