Club owner Frank McCourt rejects Benatia’s resignation, handing him even more power at the Stade Velodrome despite reported tensions with the former Man Utd star.
The civil war at Olympique de Marseille has taken a stunning turn. Just days after sporting director Medhi Benatia publicly resigned via Instagram, club owner Frank McCourt has performed a dramatic intervention to keep the 38-year-old at the club.
Not only is Benatia staying, but he has been granted expanded powers to supervise the “entirety of sporting activities.” This move comes despite a reported “breakdown in communication” and a high-profile fallout with star forward Mason Greenwood.
The Greenwood Conflict
According to reports from L’Equipe, Benatia and Greenwood are currently not on speaking terms. The sporting director has allegedly been critical of the 24-year-old’s conduct, specifically regarding:
- Off-pitch behavior: Concerns over the player’s discipline.
- Commercial obligations: Allegations that Greenwood has disregarded club commitments without concern for repercussions.
With Benatia now gaining even more influence, Greenwood’s long-term happiness at the club is under a massive spotlight, especially following the departure of his main supporter, Roberto De Zerbi.
A Club in Crisis
Marseille is currently weathering a “catastrophic” storm. Following back-to-back 3-0 defeats in the Champions League and a humiliating 5-0 loss to PSG, fan demonstrations have rocked the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille’s Current Situation:
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Manager | Vacant (Post-De Zerbi) |
| Ligue 1 Form | No wins in 3 matches |
| CL Standing | Finished outside top 32 |
| Key Ally | Ethan Nwaneri (Benatia’s loan success) |
Why Did Benatia Resign?
In his initial statement, Benatia cited “growing dissatisfaction” and a desire not to become an “obstacle” to the club’s development. However, McCourt’s refusal to accept the resignation suggests the owner views Benatia as the only man capable of restoring stability while they search for a new head coach.
While Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri will likely welcome the news—having a strong relationship with Benatia all eyes will be on how the director and Mason Greenwood coexist in a locker room that is already at a breaking point.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
