‘They want to destabilise us, but they won’t succeed’ – Marseille director of football Medhi Benatia hits back at critics over recruitment | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia has pushed back against recent criticism of the club’s summer recruitment, after OM’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Stade Brestois lifted them to the top of Ligue 1.

The result ended a frustrating run of four winless matches in five across all competitions, including a damaging Champions League defeat to Atalanta. It also provided a welcome boost for several of the club’s summer signings, some of whom have faced scrutiny in recent weeks.“There was a 45-minute meeting yesterday about confidence and the balance between young and experienced players,” explained OM’s director of football Benatia in the Vélodrome’s mixed zone attended by Get French Football News. “Contrary to what some say, this team is strong — we’ve said it since Lorient.”“The points speak for themselves. People on the outside say everything is catastrophic — me, the coach, the president, the players — but we don’t listen to that nonsense. They want to destabilise us, but they won’t succeed.”“The results are positive, but nothing is over yet. It’s always good to take stock at this point to see what else can be improved. Whether they are young or more experienced, everyone has to contribute. We are bound to lose games, as we did against Bergamo, but the important thing is to do so with the desire to move forward.”GFFN | George Boxall – reporting from Stade Vélodrome, Marseille