Benatia Offers Resignation After De Zerbi's Exit, Marseille Rejects It
Olympique Marseille's management has seen significant activity in recent hours following the departure of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, with the future of Moroccan Mehdi Benatia also under scrutiny.
According to RMC, Benatia offered his resignation to club owner Frank McCourt and Marseille president Pablo Longoria last Tuesday, but the offer was immediately rejected.
During a meeting with players on the sidelines of training last Wednesday, Benatia confirmed he had offered to leave, emphasizing that the players must also bear some responsibility for the club's current situation.
Benatia stated: "The coach is no longer with us; he took responsibility. I am also ready to take my responsibility and leave, even though I will stay in Marseille because I love this city and this club."
The former Moroccan international, addressing the players, added that the rules within the sporting sector might seem strict to some. He said: "If the rules are too difficult, I can leave and let you be at ease. But if you wish, we can turn the page and move forward together."
At the end of the meeting, Benatia urged the team to focus on upcoming matches, confirming he would continue his current duties. He noted, however, that his future at the club remains uncertain if the necessary conditions for achieving Marseille's ambitions are not met.
Several team leaders expressed their support for Benatia, while a number of players, including Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Igor Paixao, and Amine Gouiri, posted messages of support and appreciation for coach De Zerbi in tribute to him after his departure.
