Pablo Longoria, President of Olympique de Marseille, delved into the pivotal functions undertaken by Mehdi Benatia, who recently assumed the role of sports advisor within the club. Longoria provided insights into the significance of Benatia’s arrival, emphasizing the evolution in the dynamics of player engagement and decision-making processes.
The appointment of Mehdi Benatia as the sports advisor follows the departure of Javier Ribalta, and Longoria shed light on the strategic reasoning behind this transition.
Longoria acknowledged the importance of individuals in touch with the new generation of players, highlighting a paradigm shift in European football where former players assume crucial roles within professional groups.
“In terms of Mehdi’s arrival, the functions are very important.
It fits into this evolution of people who are in contact with the new generation and another way of working,” stated Longoria during the press conference.
He underscored the unique influence that former players like Benatia and Gennaro Gattuso bring to the table, emphasizing that players respond differently to advice from individuals with playing experience.
The ongoing transfer window has seen Marseille establish a sports commission, facilitating discussions on reinforcing the squad in both the medium and long term.
Longoria expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of these deliberations, indicating a collaborative decision-making process that involves listening to diverse perspectives.
“To make decisions, you have to listen to a lot of people,” declared Longoria, encapsulating the inclusive approach adopted by Marseille in shaping their strategies.
The president conveyed enthusiasm for working alongside Mehdi Benatia, a former Juventus player, and highlighted the positive impact of the collaborative efforts on the club’s direction.
As Olympique de Marseille navigates the challenges and opportunities of the season, the partnership between Longoria and Benatia is poised to play a pivotal role in steering the club toward its goals in the medium and long term.
Longoria sur Benatia : “Les décisions sont pour les dirigeants. Lui donne des conseils aux joueurs, discute avec Gattuso. Au niveau du mercato, il a un rôle actif dans les conversations avec les agents, pour qu’il ait le maximum d’informations”
👉 https://t.co/cukMZFYrpJ#OM pic.twitter.com/8MF8t4x7od
— La Provence OM (@OMLaProvence) December 21, 2023
