Habib Beye is going through a difficult period at Olympique de Marseille. Pierre Sage, named Ligue 1's best coach at the UNFP Trophies, wanted to show his support for the Senegalese manager, who is currently facing heavy criticism at the OM helm. The Lens coach expressed his solidarity with his colleague and friend, who has been confronted with numerous attacks in recent weeks.

Present before the press on Monday with his UNFP trophy, the Lens coach made no secret of his delight at discussing Habib Beye's situation. Beye had denounced on Sunday a media "witch hunt" surrounding his management of Olympique de Marseille.

Pierre Sage first recalled their past collaboration at Red Star. "I was Habib Beye's assistant for a year and a half. Red Star was promoted the year I left. They didn't need me to achieve this promotion, because the rest of the staff did a remarkable job with constant progress," he explained.

The Lens coach then expressed his full support for the former Senegalese international. "I feel very much in solidarity with Habib regarding what he is going through and what is currently being imposed on him. I sincerely believe that if he continues to persevere, if he is given time and if conditions become favorable, things will eventually turn around for him," said Pierre Sage.

Before concluding with a heartfelt tribute to the Marseille coach: "Having worked alongside him on a daily basis, I can say that he is both a wonderful person and a great coach."