Mason Greenwood has become embroiled in the turmoil sweeping through Marseille following the club's disastrous Champions League exit to Club Brugge on Wednesday. The former Manchester United forward is reportedly at odds with sporting director Medhi Benatia, adding to the internal strife at the Ligue 1 side.
Greenwood and Benatia's Strained Relationship
According to reports from France, Greenwood and Benatia are said to openly ignore each other whenever they cross paths. The director of football has been a vocal critic of the 24-year-old both on and off the pitch, with tensions escalating over various issues.
Benatia is believed to have been angered by Greenwood shirking a commercial responsibility last summer, showing little concern for the potential repercussions. This incident has further strained their relationship, placing the forward under increased scrutiny as the club navigates a critical period.
Internal Conflicts and Heated Exchanges
The chaos extends beyond Greenwood, with Benatia reportedly clashing with club captain Leonardo Balerdi during a late-night meeting ahead of the Champions Trophy match against Paris Saint-Germain in early January. After reprimanding players for their disappointing league defeat to Nantes, Benatia became furious when Balerdi raised concerns about dressing room space.
Marseille players share their dressing room with club staff, and the squad has expressed a desire for greater privacy. Benatia responded aggressively, questioning Balerdi, 'Tell me, Leo, are you the one paying rent on the locker room?' Head coach Roberto De Zerbi was not present for this charged meeting, highlighting the divisions within the club.
De Zerbi's Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi's position as head coach is now under serious threat following the Champions League defeat. Daily Mail Sport reported on Thursday that the Italian manager could be sacked ahead of Marseille's upcoming clash against Paris FC this weekend.
Despite the mounting pressure, Benatia placed blame squarely on the players in his post-match comments. 'Today, you play a match like that against a team with an average age of 20-22,' Benatia said. 'You don't win a single duel. When you have this kind of disgusting, horrible defeat, people tend to blame the coach. But I attend the talks. All week, we knew they were going to attack hard.'
Criticism from Former Marseille Star
Former Marseille and France international Christophe Dugarry offered a contrasting view, strongly criticising De Zerbi's management. Dugarry described the Italian as 'a clown' and 'overrated,' suggesting the coach bears significant responsibility for the team's struggles.
'De Zerbi is more responsible than the rest,' Dugarry stated. 'You can criticise the players, but I think they need a message they understand. We mustn't forget the coach's role; he has to help the players improve. When I see the OM players so lost, I wonder what's been done.'
Dugarry highlighted De Zerbi's frequent lineup changes, noting '30 different line-ups in 30 games,' which he believes has left players confused and disoriented on the pitch.
Marseille's Current Standing
Despite the internal turmoil, De Zerbi has guided Marseille to third place in Ligue 1 this season. While Champions League qualification is no longer possible, the club remains competitive in the Coupe de France, with an upcoming match against Rennes offering potential silverware.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Marseille as they address these internal conflicts while maintaining their domestic campaign. The resolution of tensions between key figures like Greenwood and Benatia, along with clarity on De Zerbi's future, will significantly impact the club's direction.
