New Marseille coach Michel might share a mother tongue with his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, but the Spaniard says comparisons with the enigmatic Argentine end there.

Former Real Madrid and Spain winger Michel, 52, a free agent since leaving Greek side Olympiakos earlier this year, was appointed this week on a two-year deal as the successor to Bielsa.

Bielsa quit in the wake of OM's 1-0 defeat to Caen on the opening day of the new Ligue 1 season, leaving his assistant Franck Passi to oversee last weekend's 1-0 reverse at Reims.

Michel's peculiar methods, on the training ground and in terms of formation as well as how he deals with the media, will differ markedly to those of Bielsa, although the Spaniard spoke of his "respect" for the former coach as he faced the press for the first time on Friday.

"I have lots of respect for the work done by Bielsa, just as I had for (Ernesto) Valverde when I arrived at Olympiakos. I am not going to make any comparisons with Bielsa, who I admire and consider to be a great coach. Everyone has their own methods," he said via a translator.

Michel's first game in charge will be on Sunday at home to newly-promoted Troyes as Marseille look to get their campaign up and running.

When asked about targeting a top-three finish and Champions League qualification for next season, Michel said: "We will have time to think about that between now and May.

"I prefer not to talk about the table, but if a coach doesn't believe in his players there is no point. But I am sure that if we instill them with confidence, they will be capable of achieving our objectives."

Michel also said new signing Remy Cabella, brought in on loan from Newcastle United, and Lassana Diarra could make their debuts for the club this weekend.