Marseille Plunged Into Deeper Crisis with Double Executive Departure
Olympique de Marseille has been plunged into a deepening institutional crisis following the resignation of sporting director Medhi Benatia, which comes a mere five days after the departure of manager Roberto De Zerbi. This double executive exit has left the historic French club in a state of significant turmoil during a critical phase of their season.
Champions League Elimination and Heavy Defeat Trigger Collapse
The club's recent on-field performances have been nothing short of disastrous. Marseille suffered a dramatic elimination from the UEFA Champions League, followed by a humiliating 5-0 thrashing by arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain last Sunday. This defeat left them trailing the league leaders by twelve points in the Ligue 1 standings.
That comprehensive loss proved to be the final straw for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who departed shortly afterwards. However, the situation failed to improve under interim management, with Marseille conceding a devastating 97th-minute equalizer in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday.
Benatia's Emotional Resignation Announcement
Less than twenty-four hours after that disappointing result, Medhi Benatia announced his immediate resignation via social media. In an extensive statement addressed directly to Marseille supporters, the former defender expressed his profound disappointment with the current climate at the club.
'Since arriving at the club, I have always acted with heart and a single obsession: to restore Olympique de Marseille to its rightful place,' Benatia declared. 'I know this club, I know what it demands and the passion that drives it.'
Despite acknowledging that Champions League qualification remained within reach and the Coupe de France was still a realistic target, Benatia cited 'a growing dissatisfaction' and 'a breakdown in communication' as primary reasons for his departure.
'Given the tensions surrounding the management, I have indeed submitted my resignation,' he explained. 'The club will always come before individuals, and I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organisation and its development.'
Revealing Timeline and Internal Conflicts
Benatia revealed he had actually tendered his resignation the previous Monday, before adding: 'I leave with the feeling of having done my utmost professionally, but with the regret of not having been able to calm the atmosphere around the team.'
The 38-year-old sporting director, who began his career at Marseille but never made a senior appearance, was appointed to his role in September 2023. His tenure has been marked by reported conflicts, most notably with Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.
According to French publication L'Equipe, Benatia and Greenwood were said to openly ignore one another whenever they crossed paths, with the sporting director frequently criticizing the 24-year-old both publicly and privately. Reports suggested Benatia was particularly angered when Greenwood neglected a commercial responsibility last summer without apparent concern for the consequences.
De Zerbi's Strained Relationships and Premier League Ambitions
Meanwhile, details have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding Roberto De Zerbi's departure. French media outlet RMC Sport reported that De Zerbi and club executives concluded his position had become untenable shortly after the heavy defeat to PSG.
The publication revealed that Marseille officials and De Zerbi held late-night discussions at his residence following the chastening loss, ultimately deciding his departure was best for all parties after less than two years in charge.
Citing a 'close friend' of the former Brighton manager, the outlet claimed De Zerbi knew his time in France was over 'on the evening of the match in Paris', after which he had 'no answers' and 'did not understand his team'. It was further reported that De Zerbi was 'devastated' by his players' attitudes following their Champions League elimination.
De Zerbi, who guided Marseille to automatic Champions League qualification in his debut season, is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League. He was previously interviewed by Manchester United's ownership group Ineos in May 2024 and considered a leading contender to replace Erik ten Hag before the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Uncertain Future for Historic French Club
The consecutive departures of both their manager and sporting director within a single week have left Marseille facing profound uncertainty. With key leadership positions now vacant and the team struggling for consistency, the club must navigate this crisis while maintaining their pursuit of Champions League qualification and domestic cup success.
Benatia concluded his resignation statement by urging Marseille supporters to continue backing the team, while promising to 'take the time to explain my decision when the time is right'. As the dust settles on this dramatic week, the historic French institution faces the formidable challenge of rebuilding both its leadership structure and competitive momentum.
