Medhi Benatia explains Marseille exit after Rennes victory

Medhi Benatia has revealed the reasons behind his impending departure from Marseille, confirming he will leave the club at the end of the season despite previously being retained following a resignation in February.

Speaking in the mixed zone after Marseille’s 3-1 Ligue 1 win over Rennes, the Moroccan spoke candidly about the circumstances surrounding his exit and the events that led to the decision.

“A lot of things haven’t been said. Roberto De Zerbi left when he was very attached to OM; I know what he felt when he walked into that stadium.

I ate at his place in Aix, ten or fifteen days before things went wrong. If he hasn’t taken the time to speak out, it’s because he’s got a lot on his mind. I understand him; it wasn’t easy. When he leaves, I have to go with him.

He made sacrifices to come; he came a lot for me and for the image he had of OM. I had to follow; it was only logical.

Frank McCourt refused to let me waive my notice period; he asked me to stay. I didn’t feel I could leave him in a difficult position. I put myself at the owner’s service ,” Benatia confided.

He went on to reflect further on the situation involving former coach Roberto De Zerbi and the broader challenges faced during the season.

“Roberto is someone who deserves to have things clarified. He has moved on to another project and has other problems to deal with.

I’m going to take some time to rest; I don’t know if I’ll move on to something else. I’ll find the time to speak. (…) I don’t know what it would have taken to have the attitude of a team like Lens, which fights until the very end. If we had, we would easily be on the podium.”

Benatia’s comments underline the internal difficulties at Marseille during the campaign, as well as the sense of transition now facing the club’s leadership structure.

His departure marks the end of a turbulent period in which he had briefly remained in post following earlier uncertainty.

Marseille now move forward without one of their key recent figures, while attention turns to how the club will reshape its sporting direction ahead of the new season.