Official | Medhi Benatia resigns from role as Marseille sporting director

Medhi Benatia has resigned from his role as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille, he has confirmed through a post on Instagram. His exit follows that of Roberto De Zerbi earlier this week. 

De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Benatia had previously tied his future to that of De Zerbi and the Italian’s departure had raised significant questions regarding Benatia’s continuation at the club. 

RMC Sport had reported that the Moroccan had offered his resignation earlier in the week, however, he remained in his post, with that tendered resignation refused by the club’s executives. However, following a 2-2 draw to RC Strasbourg Alsace on Saturday, marked by fan protests, he has now exited the scene, stating that the resignation was not “offered” but instead “fixed”. 

Benatia states that his decision to leave OM came on Monday, 9th February, hours before De Zerbi’s exit. He added, “I leave with the feeling of having done my maximum on a professional level, but the regret of having failed to calm the atmosphere around the squad, a squad that, for me, is clearly able to meet the requested objectives.”

OM are therefore now in the market for a new manager and a new sporting director. Former Stade Rennais Habib Beye is the outstanding favourite for the vacant managerial position.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle