Chaos continues at Marseille, with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood believing the club is in turmoil
Days after Roberto De Zerbi’s departure, Mehdi Benatia resigned from his role at Marseille. (Image: Photo by Alex MARTIN / AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia has resigned amid recent reports of a clash with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.
The Ligue 1 manager left the club as Marseille fell into turmoil following the departure of Roberto de Zerbi. De Zerbi left after a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain, which left the club in fourth place in the table and in view of missing out on the next stage of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.
Benatia, a former Moroccan international who had a successful career with Bayern Munich, AS Roma and Juventus, revealed that he left the club due to ongoing issues.
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“Since I came to this club, I have always acted with my heart and one obsession: to bring Olympique Marseille back to where it belongs. I know this club, I know what it demands and I know the passion that drives it,” he said in a statement.
“Today we are still in the challenge. The goal of qualifying for the Champions League is clearly within our reach and we are still in the race to bring home the Coupe de France.
“Despite recent setbacks and a cruel twist of fate, the project is progressing on the pitch, but we cannot ignore the current situation.
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“We are very sorry for the growing dissatisfaction and the breakdown in communication. In Marseille, results are the only true measure.
“You are aware of my frankness and transparency. Therefore, in view of the tensions surrounding the management, I have indeed offered (not offered) my resignation, because in my opinion the club always comes before individuals and I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organization and its development.”
“I am leaving the team with the feeling that I did my best as a professional, but I also regret that I was not able to create a calm atmosphere around the team.I believe that the atmosphere in the team is sufficient to achieve the goals that have been set.”
In recent weeks, it was reported that Benatia had fallen out with Greenwood. The Englishman has been at the French club since 2024 and has established himself as a key player for the club, and while he was publicly supported by manager De Zerbi, Greenwood and Benatia were reported to have fallen out.
L’Equipe said the pair would openly ignore each other, but the 38-year-old is said to have been vocally critical of the forward on and off the pitch.
Last summer, Benatia reportedly became furious that Greenwood ignored its commercial responsibilities and showed little concern for the consequences.
De Zerbi is currently on the manager’s scrapheap, but comes at an interesting time with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur looking for a tactician to take their place in the spotlight.
The Italian has been linked with a post at Old Trafford in the past, and is said to have been considered for a move to United after his impressive spell at Brighton, before United opted for Erik ten Hag.
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