Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has resigned from his role amid reports of a falling out with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has stepped down from his position following recent reports of tensions with former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
The Ligue 1 chief has departed the club as pressure mounts at Marseille during a turbulent spell, which has also seen Roberto De Zerbi exit. De Zerbi left following their 5-0 hammering by rivals Paris-Saint Germain, with the club in fourth place, and after missing out on the next phase of the Champions League in dramatic circumstances.
Benatia, a former Moroccan international who enjoyed a distinguished playing career at clubs including Bayern Munich, AS Roma and Juventus, confirmed his departure amid the ongoing issues.
READ MORE: Man United sent clear next manager verdict for ‘big personality’ that Roy Keane lovesREAD MORE: Marcus Rashford faces awkward Man United situation if Michael Carrick brings him back
He said in a statement: “Since arriving at the club, I have always acted with heart and a single obsession: to restore Olympique de Marseille to its rightful place. I know this club, I know what it demands and the passion that drives it.
“Today, we are still in the running. The objective of qualifying for the Champions League is clearly within our reach, and we are still in contention to bring the Coupe de France home.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
“Despite recent setbacks and some cruel twists of fate, the project is progressing on the pitch, but I cannot ignore the current climate.
“I sense a growing dissatisfaction, a breakdown in communication that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only true measure.
“You know my frankness and transparency. Therefore, given the tensions surrounding the management, I have indeed submitted (not offered) my resignation, because in my opinion, 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.
“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, which, in my opinion, is more than capable of achieving the set objectives.”
Reports suggest Benatia clashed with Greenwood. The English forward has been with the French side since 2024 and has become a pivotal figure for the club, and whilst De Zerbi was publicly supporting him, it has been claimed that Greenwood and Benatia’s relationship had deteriorated.
L’Equipe reported that the two would deliberately blank each other, whilst the 38-year-old was understood to be openly critical of the attacker both on and off the field.
The reports allege that Benatia was frustrated by Greenwood’s disregard for commercial obligations last summer, showing little care for the ramifications. De Zerbi now finds himself amongst available managers, though this comes at a fascinating time with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur searching for permanent bosses.
The Italian has previously been linked with the Old Trafford position, and it was reported that he was under consideration for the United role following his impressive tenure at Brighton, before the club chose Erik ten Hag.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.
Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings