The recent upheaval at Olympique de Marseille (OM) has seen the departure of key personnel, including Javier Ribalta and David Friio. In light of these changes, President Pablo Longoria has been actively searching for a new right-hand man, and it seems he has found his ideal candidate in former Moroccan international, Medhi Benatia.
The past few weeks have been marked by a significant revolution at OM. Following a major crisis that led to Marcelino’s resignation as manager in early September, the club has undergone internal reorganization under the continued leadership of President Pablo Longoria. Recent developments saw Javier Ribalta officially leave his position as the club’s football director, with David Friio following suit as the director of sports. Consequently, it became imperative for Longoria to swiftly find a suitable individual to support him, someone capable of embodying the spirit of OM and bringing valuable experience in sports management and team dynamics. In this regard, Longoria has turned to a familiar face in Medhi Benatia, a former player who was nurtured within the OM ranks alongside talents like Samir Nasri.
Medhi Benatia, who retired in 2021, has emerged as the frontrunner for the role. Our sources within Marseille suggest that his arrival is all but confirmed, pending minor administrative details. Barring any last-minute changes, the former Bayern Munich player will soon become an integral part of OM’s organizational structure.
Pablo Longoria’s choice of Benatia as his ideal candidate is not surprising. The Moroccan’s profile stood out among the various options considered during the search for a new right-hand man. Longoria’s conviction in Benatia’s abilities has borne fruit, as the former defender has successfully transitioned into a sports advisor role since retiring. Notably, he has facilitated the transfers of several players in recent months, including Azzedine Ounahi to OM. Additionally, Benatia has been instrumental in managing the interests of promising young talent Enzo Millot, a midfielder who has excelled this season at Stuttgart after being developed by AS Monaco. This background makes Benatia well-suited to contribute to OM’s objectives, particularly in overseeing recruitment efforts.
As OM continues to navigate its way through a period of transformation, the addition of Medhi Benatia to the club’s ranks brings a wealth of experience and expertise. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his connections in the football world, will undoubtedly prove invaluable in shaping the future of the club. Marseille fans can look forward to witnessing the positive impact that Benatia’s appointment will have on OM’s ongoing revival.
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