Habib Beye pays tribute to Pape Diouf

The new Olympique de Marseille coach recalled the memory of the club's former president during his first press conference on Thursday.

Franco-Senegalese Pape Diouf is a figure in the modern history of Olympique de Marseille. He was the first black president of a French professional club (2005 to 2009) before passing away on 31 March 2020.

Habib Beye, who played for Olympique de Marseille before returning today as coach, still remembers one of the quotes Pape Diouf shared with him. Appointed at a time when Marseille is going through difficult times, the Senegalese tactician recalled this quote from Pape Diouf on 19 February during his first press conference.

"I remember Pape Diouf, whom I considered my spiritual father. He always told me, 'When the fire burns in Marseille, sometimes you have to let it burn because it will go out on its own.

This club brings you immense emotions, but from time to time you have to be able to stay cool, calm and collected. I am a fairly calm person. At times, I can be volcanic in training or on the pitch. But that's linked to the emotions you experience with your team," said Habib Beye.