The president of Olympique de Marseille, Pablo Longoria, wanted to clarify the situation within the club during an interview granted to RMC Sport this Wednesday. Faced with rumours of internal tensions, the Spanish leader wanted to defend the quality of the relations between himself, Medhi Benatia and Roberto De Zerbi, the coach of the first team. For several weeks, there has been information suggesting a lack of agreement at the top of the club. However, Longoria insisted on denying this situation by stating that there was no fracture between Marseille decision-makers.

“The relationship has not deteriorated,” Longoria said. “These attempts at disunity maintained by ill-intentioned people irritate me. The relationship with the ‘Mister’ remains very healthy, with exchanges and discussions, sometimes different visions that are shared but never deep disagreements or conflicts. Roberto is invested in his mission and works hard with passion, method and rigour.” The Chair also said he was pleased that this initiative reflected the unity of their work with Medhi Benatia.

Longoria also insisted that this demonstrated willingness to work collectively was incompatible with the Italian coach’s accusations of disagreement or isolation. According to him, these rumours are only intended to weaken the club in a period still decisive sportingly. “There’s no problem with the coach,” Longoria said. “This is reality. We move forward and wash our dirty laundry with the family if we have to. I like the coach because he is a perfectionist, passionate, demanding and we all know how to challenge ourselves when the situation demands it.” These statements aim to ease tensions and reaffirm a clear line: De Zerbi remains fully supported by management. The message is therefore unambiguous, a few weeks from the end of the season when OM will try to secure a European place.