Just days after Roberto De Zerbi’s exit, Medhi Benatia has officially resigned from his role as director of football at Olympique de Marseille. In a statement published on Sunday, February 15, the former Morocco international cited a toxic atmosphere and a personal breakdown in his relationship with the Marseille environment, marked by constant pressure and hostility following recent defeats, notably against Bruges and Paris Saint-Germain.
Beyond the emotional aspect, Benatia’s departure is also rooted in deeper structural issues. When he was appointed, an agreement had been reached to operate under financial restraint before receiving new resources to strengthen the squad.
Those promised funds never truly materialized, forcing him to rely on complex financial arrangements and short-term solutions, a situation that gradually undermined both the sporting project and his ability to fulfil his mission.
Finally, internal divisions within the club’s leadership played a decisive role. Relations with president Pablo Longoria reportedly deteriorated as disagreements over sporting and financial strategy intensified and Benatia’s influence grew. With both Benatia and De Zerbi gone in just four days, OM now face a major crisis, leaving the club in deep uncertainty ahead of a highly charged end to the season.