Olympique de Marseille have been rocked by the resignation of football director Medhi Benatia, who confirmed his departure in an emotional statement shared on social media.
The former Morocco international revealed he formally submitted his resignation on February 9, bringing his tenure at the Ligue 1 club to an abrupt end.
Benatia explained that his decision was driven by what he described as a deteriorating atmosphere around the team. While insisting the club remains firmly in contention for its seasonal objectives, he admitted feeling a growing sense of unease in recent weeks.
Marseille are still battling for a Champions League qualification spot and remain alive in the Coupe de France, ambitions Benatia believes are well within reach given the squad’s quality.
In his statement, he stressed that the institution must always come before individuals, adding that he did not want his presence to hinder progress or become a distraction.
The 38-year-old acknowledged that despite giving his utmost professionally, he regretted not being able to ease tensions surrounding the group.
His exit comes at a delicate stage of the campaign, with Marseille seeking stability on and off the pitch. Benatia’s tenure was marked by efforts to reshape the squad and reinforce the club’s competitive ambitions domestically and in Europe. However, persistent scrutiny and internal pressure appear to have influenced his decision to step aside.
In closing, Benatia urged supporters to continue backing the players and coaching staff as they pursue their remaining targets. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver success before the season concludes.
Marseille must now move swiftly to address the leadership vacuum left by his departure, ensuring the focus remains on results rather than boardroom uncertainty during a decisive stretch of the campaign.
