Marseille set to keep Ayew with arrival of coach Bielsa

Ghana forward Andre Ayew will be playing under one of the finest coaches in the world after Marcelo Bielsa agreed to join Olympique Marseille next season.

The Argentine has agreed in principle to join the French giants as they look to recapture their glory days in Ligue 1 and Europe.

Ayew is reported to be on his way out of Marseille following disappointing finishes in Ligue 1 in recent years but the arrival of the ‘tactical genius’ could help keep the Black Stars forward at bay at the Stade Velodrome.

Bielsa has been linked with a move to Marseille for several weeks and the club president Vincent Labrune now confirms the 58-year-old has agreed to join Les Phoceens subject to contractual agreements.

“We have a tentative agreement which is now subject to the drafting of contracts,” Labrune told reporters.

“Without falling into absolute euphoria, we can consider that we are confident that this issue will be finalised … I can say that we will have a great coach for next season.”

Bielsa who is currently out of work is regarded one of the finest tactical brains in world football with the use of statistics and video analysis.

The ex-Argentina coach was credited for the transformation of Spanish club Athletic Bilbao where the likes of Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente thrived.

Then Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola declared Marcelo Bielsa as ‘the best coach in the world’ in 2012.

Marseille on the other hand have endured disappointing finishes in Ligue 1 in recent years.

Jose Antonio Anigo will remain in his role as caretaker coach until the end of the season when Bielsa takes over having reached a contractual agreement with the club.