Mehdi Benatia: The Moroccan leaves the position of Marseille’s sporting director amid “growing dissatisfaction”

Mehdi Benatia revealed a “rift that I deeply regret” when he left his position as sporting director of Marseille.

The Moroccan’s exit came just days after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as technical director of the French club.

De Zerbe left by mutual consent on Wednesday in the wake of the 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the Ligue 1 side’s recent exit from the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge.

Benatia admitted that the “current climate” at the club was a factor in his decision.

The former Bayern Munich and Juventus defender said in a post on social media: “I leave feeling that I did my best on a professional level, but with regret that I was not able to calm the atmosphere surrounding the team.”

“Despite recent setbacks and some extreme sporting scenarios, the project is moving forward.

“But I cannot ignore the current climate. I feel a growing dissatisfaction, a rift that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only judge.”

Marseille is fourth in Ligue 1, with interim coach Jacques Abardonado leading the team to a 2-2 draw with Strasbourg on Saturday amid protests.

Fans behind the goals at the Stade Velodrome boycotted the first 15 minutes and booed their team during the match.