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Marseille in Crisis: Sporting Director Resigns After Coach's Departure

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 11:37 GMT by WTOP News
      Locale: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, FRANCE

Marseille, France - February 15th, 2026 - Olympique Marseille is reeling from a leadership exodus as former defender Mehdi Benatia officially resigned from his post as sporting director on Saturday, following swiftly after the unexpected departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi just eleven days prior. The club, once a powerhouse of French football, finds itself in a deepening crisis, battling relegation concerns and widespread fan discontent.

Benatia, appointed to the sporting director role in June 2023, had been tasked with revitalizing a club that has consistently underperformed expectations in recent seasons. However, his tenure has been plagued by what many observers describe as erratic transfer policies and a consistent inability to translate recruitment into on-field success. The resignation, confirmed by multiple French media outlets, is widely seen as a direct consequence of the fallout from De Zerbi's sudden move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on February 2nd.

De Zerbi's exit, while perhaps financially beneficial to the Italian coach, left Marseille scrambling. The club quickly promoted Patrick Le Roux, a coach from the youth academy, to an interim position. While Le Roux represents a known quantity and a commitment to Marseille's future talent pipeline, the appointment is largely viewed as a stop-gap measure, lacking the immediate star power required to turn the season around. Now, with Benatia also gone, the leadership vacuum at the Velodrome is becoming increasingly pronounced.

Currently languishing in 13th position in Ligue 1, Marseille's performance this season has been deeply disappointing. The club's passionate fanbase, known for its unwavering support, has grown increasingly frustrated with the team's lack of progress. This frustration has manifested in frequent and increasingly vocal protests, creating a tense atmosphere around the club. The dual departures of De Zerbi and Benatia are likely to further inflame these tensions.

Beyond the Immediate Crisis: A Pattern of Instability?

The current situation at Marseille isn't simply a case of two individuals leaving their posts. It points to a systemic problem within the club's structure. Over the past five years, Marseille has seen a revolving door of coaches and sporting directors, struggling to establish a consistent long-term vision. The club's ambition to compete with Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title remains unfulfilled, and the gap between the two sides appears to be widening.

Sources close to the club suggest a disconnect between the ownership, the board, and the footballing staff. Benatia, reportedly, grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations placed upon his recruitment strategy. He reportedly identified several key targets in the summer transfer window but was overruled by the board due to budgetary constraints and differing philosophies. This lack of backing, coupled with the team's poor results, ultimately led to his resignation.

Furthermore, De Zerbi's departure raises questions about the club's ability to retain top talent. Brighton, despite being a relatively smaller club, offered De Zerbi a project that clearly appealed to his ambitions. Marseille, despite its history and passionate fanbase, appears unable to compete with the financial muscle and progressive strategies of clubs in other European leagues.

The Search for Stability: What Next for Marseille?

The immediate priority for Marseille is to find a permanent replacement for Benatia and, eventually, a long-term head coach. The club is expected to initiate a thorough search, potentially looking at candidates with experience in Ligue 1 or with a proven track record of developing young players. However, attracting a high-caliber candidate will be challenging given the club's current instability and financial situation.

Analysts predict that Marseille will need to undergo a significant overhaul, not just in terms of personnel but also in its overall strategy. A renewed focus on youth development, combined with a more sustainable financial model, could be crucial for rebuilding the club's foundations. Re-engaging the passionate fanbase and creating a positive atmosphere around the club will also be vital. The next few months will be critical for Marseille, as they attempt to navigate this crisis and chart a course towards a brighter future.