Eric Cantona has hailed Marcelo Bielsa as a football maverick, comparing the Marseille boss to Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United legend and former Marseille player Cantona said Bielsa, known for a fiery temperament and unpredictable character, had "charisma" and was "a character."
The 59-year-old Argentine has guided OM to the top of Ligue 1, exciting French football fans and pundits with his team's exciting play.
The Argentine also provided column inches with his criticism of the club's summer transfer policy -- and his shoot-from-the-hip style has gained the approval of Cantona.
"I don't support Marseille much, but I like Bielsa," he told France 2. "I think he's got charisma, he's a character. He has personality, he knows football.
"He's a kind of Mourinho. I love all those guys. I like that they call into question journalists' opinions. Something always happens at their press conferences, and it doesn't stop them winning."
Marseille, who face struggling Lens at home on Sunday, saw their eight-game winning streak in Ligue 1 ended by Lyon last weekend.
A defeat to Lens could see defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who travel to Lorient, cut Marseille's lead at the top of the table to one point.