New Marseille boss Habib Beye on Thursday spoke of his pride at taking over as head coach at the Ligue 1 outfit, where he played from 2003 to 2007.
The 48-year-old former Senegal international was appointed on Wednesday night, in a deal lasting until May 2027.
Beye, who played 174 times for the club, was sacked by Rennes after a run of four defeats. He arrives at Marseille one week after the departure of former head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
"I'm very happy to be here and very, very proud," he said. "Everyone knows what this club means to me. But that's one thing. I'm here to do an important job, which means I have put some of the emotions aside."
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Beye lands at the Vélodrome with the side sitting in fourth place in Ligue 1 following three successive losses – including a 5-0 hammering from champions Paris Saint-Germain on 8 February.
Marseille lie 12 points behind pace-setters Lens and five behind Lyon, who occupy the final berth for an automatic place in the group stages of the 2026-2027 Champions League.
On Friday night, Marseille will travel to Brest to kick off the 23rd round of games in the French top flight.
"It will be impossible to change things too much for the Brest game," Beye added. "Neither is it a very good idea to do something like that. We've got to rely on the things that have worked well to give us some stability."
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Before leaving, De Zerbi steered the side into the last eight of the Coupe de France.
With holders PSG eliminated, Marseille are among the favourites for a trophy that they have not lifted since 1989.
"The fact that I played for Marseille won't give me any more credibility or leeway," Beye said. "The club still has a huge aura and impact in Europe. That hasn't changed. You have to breathe this city, be part of it and embody it through Olympique Marseille."
He added: "Knowing this context is the only advantage of having played here. I will be expected to deliver results like everyone else."
