Former Olympique de Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia says he accepts responsibility for the club’s recent failures, while launching a fierce defence of his record and making pointed criticisms of former president Pablo Longoria and several players.
Benatia’s comments will be published in full by France Football on Saturday, in a rare interview that combines an admission that he got things wrong with a strong attack on the circumstances surrounding his departure from the French club.
The former Morocco international says his biggest mistake was reversing his decision to resign in February. He accepts that Marseille’s Champions League exit and his failure to lift the club from what he described as its “chronic quagmire” formed part of his responsibility during his time in the role.
“I really did fail. When the coach decided to leave because he was unable to make the team perform consistently in two consecutive matches, then as sporting director I accept my share of that failure without reservation,” Benatia said.
However, he rejects suggestions that he was responsible for Marseille’s financial problems. The club was reportedly left with 15 of its 23 players available for sale, a situation that has led to criticism of the former sporting director.
“To those who write gleefully that Benatia is the one who left Marseille in this financial predicament, with 15 of 23 players put up for sale, I ask them: where was my responsibility?” he said.
“The club had 35 transfer deals in every window long before I arrived.”
Benatia also directs sharp criticism at a group of players whom he accuses of choosing when they want to perform.
“When I speak honestly, they accuse me of exaggerating. But let me make this clear: do not mess with genuine professional players,” he said.
He recalled seeing footage of Marseille players at a training camp in Ivory Coast this summer, describing their behaviour as a source of considerable anger.
“I saw videos of players at their training camp in Ivory Coast this summer, dancing and singing happily. Ask the owner, McCourt, whether he feels like singing and celebrating in these difficult circumstances,” Benatia said.
The comments appear to refer to Marseille owner Frank McCourt, who is portrayed by Benatia as facing the consequences of the club’s difficult situation while some members of the squad enjoyed themselves.
Benatia also revisits an incident before Marseille’s Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in Kuwait. The match finished 2-2 before Marseille lost 4-1 on penalties, and Benatia described the period surrounding the fixture as “the great moment of betrayal” an apparent reference to Longoria’s role.
Despite the severity of his accusations, Benatia says he left Marseille without seeking financial compensation and did not sign any confidentiality agreements.
“The difference between me and others is that I asked for nothing when I left, and I did not sign any agreements to remain silent. No one can buy my silence. What I am going to reveal is very costly, because the truth is priceless,” he said.
The full interview is due to appear in Saturday’s edition of France Football, with Benatia’s claims expected to generate significant reaction across French football.
