Olympique de Marseille has confirmed its pre‑season camp in Ivory Coast for the 2026‑27 campaign, with the first training session at La Commanderie from July 5‑7 before heading to West Africa. The move, announced by Foot Mercato on June 27, fits into Bruno Genesio’s upcoming project as the club’s new manager.

Why Ivory Coast?

The Ivorian camp breaks with the usual European pre‑season routine. OM aims to benefit from the climate, local partnerships and a less crowded environment to sharpen fitness and conduct initial medical exams. The schedule also includes friendly matches against local selections, allowing the new tactical ideas to be tested before the July 29 friendly with Real Betis in Cadiz.

What does the recent season mean?

The 2025‑26 season left OM in 5th place in Ligue 1, with 59 points, 18 wins, 5 draws and 11 losses from 34 games, and a recent form of WWLDL. The team scored 63 goals while conceding 45, a +18 goal difference. Despite direct qualification for the Champions League, the club endured institutional turbulence: Roberto De Zerbi departed on February 11 2026 after an early group‑stage exit and a string of poor results.

Who will lead the squad?

Bruno Genesio, 59, will take charge after leaving LOSC Lille on May 25 2026. He guided the Dogs to a third‑place Ligue 1 finish and notable Champions League wins over Fenerbahçe, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. His 2025 French Manager of the Year award positions him as the ideal candidate to restore stability and ambition at OM.

What challenges lie ahead?

Following the Ivory Coast camp, OM will fly to Bavaria at the end of July to face Real Betis. The schedule remains demanding: the club must ready itself for Champions League competition while solidifying the squad, notably keeping Medhi Benatia at the request of owner Frank McCourt. Success will hinge on turning the physical preparation into tangible performances from the first Ligue 1 match, slated for mid‑August.

The whole plan aims to rebuild on solid foundations, harness the new technical direction’s potential and meet the expectations of Phocaean supporters eager for a return to the top.