Olympique de Marseille’s turbulence deepened last week with the resignation of sporting director Medhi Benatia, coming shortly after the club parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi.
The former Moroccan international cited growing “insatisfaction” and a hostile environment on Instagram, but reports suggest the reasons run deeper than fan unrest.
According to Foot Mercato, Benatia arrived at Marseille in November 2023 with a two-phase plan: a year of financial restraint followed by increased resources to strengthen the squad.
Those promised funds reportedly failed to materialize, forcing recruitment to rely heavily on loans, complex payment structures, and obligatory purchase clauses. The stop-gap nature of the transfer strategy left Benatia frustrated, convinced he lacked the tools to achieve the club’s sporting ambitions.
Relations with president Pablo Longoria also reportedly soured. Once seen as Longoria’s trusted lieutenant, Benatia’s growing influence altered internal dynamics, and disagreements over strategy — including the handling of De Zerbi’s exit — added further tension.
Frustration extended to the dressing room. L’Équipe notes that numerous recruits, from Ismaël Koné to Angel Gomes, departed within months, reflecting a transfer-driven attempt to reshape mentality as much as talent.
Some players reportedly grew weary of his constant demands, with Mason Greenwood notably distancing himself. Benatia’s struggle for narrative control further complicated matters.
Ahead of his two-year anniversary, allies circulated a document summarizing his achievements in the style of ChatGPT, illustrating his efforts to manage perception amid mounting pressure.
With Benatia gone, the decision on Marseille’s next manager now rests solely with Longoria. Benatia reportedly entered talks with former Stade Rennais coach Habib Beye before resigning, though L’Équipe indicate the move has stalled due to legal complications following Beye’s recent departure from Rennes.
