‘The day he leaves, I leave too’ – Roberto De Zerbi ties his Marseille future to Medhi Benatia | OneFootball

Medhi Benatia seemed to suggest that his time at Olympique de Marseille was nearing an end following the club’s Trophée des Champions defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. 

“Before long, you’ll see that there will be other people in our place. And they too will need time to work,” he said in the mixed zone in the wake of that defeat, which came on penalties. It isn’t the first time that Benatia has alluded to a short stint in his position as sporting director at the club.

“I don’t know how long I will stay, surely not a long time, and I am not afraid to say that. It is exhausting, mentally and physically,” he told L’Équipe back in February 2025. The Moroccan’s contract with OM runs until 2027. It is unclear whether he will see that contract out, but in any case, Roberto De Zerbi doesn’t see Benatia’s mission coming to an end this summer. 

De Zerbi’s deal runs until 2027

“I don’t think he was referring to a departure at the end of the season,” said De Zerbi in Monday’s press conference, responding to Benatia’s remarks following the loss to PSG. But if he were, could that also see the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager depart?

“Benatia loves Marseille and perhaps even more than me because he grew up here. I am loyal and proper. The day that Benatia goes, I will leave, too. I arrived here thanks to Benatia and (Pablo) Longoria (OM president),” said De Zerbi.

Like Benatia, De Zerbi’s deal with Les Phocéens runs until 2027. Whether both will see out those deals is unclear, but now more than ever, it is clear that their destinies are intertwined. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle