Marseille ‘extremely shocked’ by allegations made against sporting director Medhi Benatia | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille today used their press conference ahead of a match against AJ Auxerre to react to a series of articles published by La Provence on Sporting Director Medhi Benatia – with a series of accusations relating to his increasing power and influence at the club, and a series of fall-outs with fellow staff members. Even, in one case, causing executive Cécilia Barontini to file a police incident report following a despite with Benatia over a series of subjects including the signing of Mason Greenwood. “OM is extremely shocked by a report published this morning about Medhi Benatia,” said Marseille director of communications Bel-Abbès Bouaissi at the beginning of a press conference attended by Get French Football News. “The report consists of accusatory articles and unfounded insinuations, probably based on dubious sources and leaving little room for rebuttal.”“This type of behaviour and approach undermines the work of the club and its staff at a crucial time in the sporting calendar, which requires a spirit of collective responsibility and calm.”

The three-part investigation spoke to around 20 anonymous sources to recount Benatia’s rise at club, and his increased influence at all levels including youth development, communication, and first team affairs. His interference even reportedly caused tension with former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi. The report also suggested, among other things, that Marseille striker Mason Greenwood was almost reportedly forced out of the club following tensions with the former Moroccan international. Benatia frequently criticised Greenwood’s commitment and work rate during the campaign. The outlet claims that the English forward was even close to being made available for transfer because he was not contributing enough defensively for the team. The English forward reportedly avoided the sporting director around the club.Marseille still sit third in the Ligue 1 table, having managed to overtake Lyon in the race for the podium spot and direct Champions League qualification. Les Olympiens face Auxerre on Friday evening at the Stade Vélodrome after getting back to winning ways against Toulouse last weekend (0-1). GFFN | George Boxall