Marseille sporting director resigns days after De Zerbi departure

Marseille sporting director resigns days after De Zerbi departure

Olympique de Marseille have been plunged into an institutional crisis following the resignation of sporting director Medhi Benatia, just four days after head coach Roberto De Zerbi left the club.

The double departure of the club’s sporting leadership signals a period of acute instability at the Stade Vélodrome.

Benatia, the former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender, confirmed his decision on social media, citing the increasingly toxic atmosphere surrounding the team.

Read Also: Marseille target Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to succeed De Zerbi

“I am leaving with the feeling that I have done my utmost on a professional level, but with regret that I have not been able to calm the environment around the team,” he wrote.

“Despite recent setbacks and some cruel sporting scenarios, the project is moving forward.

“But I cannot ignore the current climate. I feel a growing dissatisfaction, a rift that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only judge.”

Benatia joined Marseille in November 2023 as a sporting advisor to president Pablo Longoria before being appointed sporting director in January last year.

His resignation follows De Zerbi’s exit by mutual agreement after a run of poor results, including a heavy 5-0 defeat to fierce rivals Paris Saint-Germain.

Marseille currently sit fourth in Ligue 1, but supporter unrest has intensified. Jacques Abardonado oversaw Saturday’s 2-2 home draw against Strasbourg as interim coach, with the match overshadowed by fan protests.

The team were jeered at the Stade Vélodrome, while supporters behind the goals boycotted the opening 15 minutes.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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