Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has resigned with immediate effect, following the recent departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Moroccan former international cited growing tensions and a breakdown in communication within the club's management as reasons for his decision.
Benatia's resignation comes days after De Zerbi left the Ligue 1 side, following a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, which left Marseille fourth in the table and eliminated from the Champions League. The club still has a chance to qualify for the Champions League via the league and is competing in the Coupe de France.
In a statement, Benatia said: 'I sense a growing dissatisfaction, a breakdown in communication that I deeply regret. ... I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organisation and its development.' He added that he had submitted his resignation because 'the club will always come before individuals.'
Reports have emerged of clashes between Benatia and former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, who joined Marseille in 2024. According to L'Equipe, the pair would openly ignore each other, with Benatia critical of Greenwood both on and off the pitch. The sporting director was reportedly angered by Greenwood's neglect of commercial responsibilities last summer.
De Zerbi, now without a club, has been previously linked with managerial roles at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He was reportedly considered for the United job before the club opted for Erik ten Hag.
