Medhi Benatia hails Marseille after first Champions League home win, praises Nayef Aguer

Olympique Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has lauded his team’s performance after a commanding 4–0 victory over Ajax at the Vélodrome — their first home win of the Champions League campaign.

Benatia described the atmosphere in a sold-out stadium as “fantastic” and said the result was crucial in steadying the side after a difficult start to the season.

He reserved special praise for several summer recruits, noting how quickly they have settled into the squad. Igor Paixao and Matt O’Riley impressed on the night, though the occasion was dampened slightly by an injury to defender Facundo Medina, who is awaiting medical assessment.

Two players, in particular, stood out for the sporting director. On Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, Benatia remarked: “Arthur is a super player. For his age, he already plays like a veteran. In his first match at the Vélodrome, he stayed calm, always moving, always making the right choices. He’s a proper footballer. Even if he’s only here on loan, if he enjoys it and continues like this, we could see him stay for years.”

He was equally enthusiastic about Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd, saying his arrival had been strongly backed by the coaching staff: “It wasn’t just me who wanted him. The coach insisted. In the US, he saw him and said, ‘Stop everything, I want Nayef Aguerd.’ He’s a top-level player, quick to adapt, speaks several languages, and brings leadership and composure — qualities we really needed.”

Marseille will look to build on their momentum when they travel to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon in their next Champions League fixture on October 22.