Medhi Benatia has declared that his continued role as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille is directly tied to the tenure of club president Pablo Longoria, amid growing internal tensions within the Ligue 1 side.
Appointed as OM’s sporting director in January 2025, Benatia, 38, stepped into the position after serving as an advisor to Longoria.
Though still relatively new in his executive duties, the former Morocco international has already made his stance clear: his future in the club’s management structure depends entirely on the presence of Longoria at the helm.
Benatia, who enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Bayern Munich and Juventus, returned to Marseille in 2023 in a behind-the-scenes capacity.
Though no longer active on the pitch, his responsibilities have become arguably more influential, helping shape the long-term direction of the club.
However, the Moroccan has grown frustrated with aspects of the internal atmosphere at Marseille, particularly what he perceives as unprofessional conduct among certain members of the staff.
In a recent interview, Benatia voiced his disappointment, stating, “I’ve never been in an environment where, when things don’t go well on the pitch, people from within the club try to stir up problems.
I’ve never seen anything like it. People here seem to think it’s normal—I call it mediocrity.”
Despite those frustrations, Benatia’s admiration and loyalty to Longoria remain unwavering. He made it unequivocally clear that his commitment to Marseille hinges on the current president’s presence.
“Regardless of my affection for OM, I came because of Pablo,” Benatia stated. “The day Pablo leaves, I’ll be leaving as well.
That’s a fact. I’m not tied to anyone or anything. I even made sure there would be no financial safety net—no golden parachute—if I left. Zero euros.”
The former Atlas Lions captain’s words underline both his principled approach and the delicate balance currently underpinning Marseille’s upper management.
His decision to forgo any severance agreement in case of departure signals a no-nonsense approach to his role, one grounded in trust rather than contractual obligation.
This bold declaration arrives at a critical juncture for Marseille, who are battling for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
With only five league matches remaining, the pressure is mounting not just on the pitch but also behind the scenes, where tensions could yet influence the club’s stability.
Benatia’s comments offer a rare and candid glimpse into the inner workings of a major European football club and underscore the influence Longoria has within OM.
Whether the duo will remain in Marseille beyond the current campaign remains uncertain, but for now, their alliance is a pivotal anchor within the club’s structure.
As Marseille fans continue to follow the club’s pursuit of Champions League qualification, they will also be watching closely to see if their sporting leadership remains intact when the final whistle of the season blows.
