Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia leaves club

Mehdi Benatia, the sporting director of Marseille, revealed on Sunday his decision to step down from his position at the troubled French outfit, shortly following the exit of manager Roberto De Zerbi.

"I depart knowing I gave everything professionally, yet I lament my inability to soothe the atmosphere surrounding the squad," Benatia posted on social platforms.

"Even with lately defeats and harsh on-pitch outcomes, the initiative progresses.

"However, I must acknowledge the prevailing mood. There is mounting frustration, a divide that pains me greatly. In Marseille, performance outcomes alone determine judgement."

The ex-Juventus and Bayern Munich centre-back arrived at Marseille in November 2023, serving as sporting consultant to chairman Pablo Longoria.

Come January of the previous year, the 38-year-old assumed the duties of sporting director.

Benatia's exit occurs merely four days subsequent to De Zerbi's, the latter departing "by mutual consent" amid a run of dismal performances, featuring a 5-0 loss to arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain this past Sunday.

Marseille sit in fourth place in Ligue 1 at present. Jacques Abardonado managed the side temporarily on Saturday during their 2-2 stalemate at home versus Strasbourg.

The fixture unfolded against a backdrop of supporter unrest, as the players faced boos at the Stade Velodrome, while fans positioned behind the goalposts abstained from the initial 15 minutes of play.