As the end of the season approaches, the atmosphere within the Olympique de Marseille is increasing. According to L’Équipe, Mehdi Benatia and Roberto De Zerbi have had clashes in recent weeks on several sensitive issues. The way Mason Greenwood and Luis Henrique were treated was a first source of tension between the sports director and the coach. Sports choices and communication around the two players have not been unanimous internally.

The number of days of rest for players is also at the heart of the debate. Roberto De Zerbi, concerned about the well-being of his group, would sometimes have given more freedom than he wanted by Mehdi Benatia, a supporter of stricter management.

Nor has winter mercato helped to ease relations. De Zerbi reportedly expressed frustration with winter recruitment, believing that his team had not been sufficiently strengthened to achieve its ambitions.

Finally, the issue of leaks in the media has become more serious. Benatia, irritated, suspects the presence of “taupes” within the club and this subject would have given rise to lively discussions between the two men.

If officially everyone remains united, these tensions could weigh heavily in the final race at the Champions League. OM will need to quickly paste the pieces to avoid a chaotic end of season. It is to be hoped that the greening in Rome will have made it possible to re-align ties.