Marseille sporting director Benatia ties future to Longoria amid Champions League uncertainty

Olympique de Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia stated that his future at the French Ligue 1 side is intertwined with Pablo Longoria’s tenure. Marseille’s Spanish president, Longoria, is under fire after a disappointing season with the club struggling to compete with champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain.

Benatia told La Provence that his stay at OM is directly related to Longoria. “Regardless of my love for OM, I came for Pablo. The day Pablo leaves, I leave,” said the former Morocco center-back.

When asked if he has a secret clause, the ex-Bayern Munich player was hesitant to answer. “It’s clear. I’m not tied to anything or anyone. I even asked for a parachute payment.”

The club from the south of France are in the chase for a Champions League spot. Benatia warned that there can be no more slip-ups if they want to secure a place in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. “Without the Champions League, it would be a disaster.”

OM are second with 55 points after demolishing Montpellier 5-1 in their Week 30 Ligue 1 encounter. Six clubs are vying for a place in next season’s Champions League as OM still needs to fight to get a spot.

Ligue 1 Table (Top-5)