Benatia reveals the turning point that led De Zerbi to leave Marseille

Medhi Benatia has revealed in an interview with France Football the details of the conversations that preceded Roberto De Zerbi's departure as Olympique de Marseille manager. According to the former sporting director, after the defeat to Bruges in Europe, the Italian coach arrived "bruised" emotionally at a team retreat in Clairefontaine.

Benatia claims he called in players like Höjbjerg, Balerdi and Auba to ask them directly if they had a problem with the coach. The footballers denied any conflicts but admitted their bewilderment at the results. "They went to see the coach and told him: 'Stay, we need you', but when the Paris thrashing came (5-0), we failed to protect him," Benatia explains, per L'Équipe. The former director confirms that when De Zerbi decided to leave, he understood his decision even though losing him in those circumstances was "heartbreaking".

This revelation adds to his previous explanations about how De Zerbi had to make an example of players who questioned his authority in the dressing room.