Divide emerges between Medhi Benatia and Marseille squad

Divide emerges between Medhi Benatia and Marseille squad

Medhi Benatia didn’t hold back after Olmypique de Marseille’s 2-0 loss away to FC Lorient. “It’s a scandal. *We were playing against a team that is almost already on holiday, even if they have quality, and we are playing the first of our five finals. We organise training camps to build connections and to work, and yet nobody reacts in the dressing room. Everything is calm, as if nothing happened,”*said the outgoing sporting director.

Benatia was involved in the recruitment of Habib Beye, but the Moroccan initially left after the departure of his predecessor, Roberto De Zerbi. Marseille owner Franck McCourt convinced him to return until the end of the season, but he will not continue beyond then.

There could be a tense few weeks around the Commanderie. This isn’t the first time that Benatia has been higly critical of his players, but **La Provence**understands that his latest comments have been received particularly poorly by the dressing room. The publication speaks of a *“gaping fracture”*between the squad and their sporting director.

The measures taken by Benatia may grow that fracture even further. As per a report from L’Équipe, the players’ day off has been cancelled. The Marseille players were therefore at the training ground on Sunday, the day after the defeat to *Les Merlus.*The training sessions will also be doubled on Tuesday and Wednesday and between Thursday and Sunday, the players will sleep at the training ground.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle