Marseille owner McCourt announces Benatia departure

Marseille owner McCourt announces Benatia departure

Olympique Marseille owner Frank McCourt has announced sporting director Mehdi Benatia will leave at the end of the season.

McCourt made the statement when unveiling Stephane Richard as new OM president.

Benatia was prepared to leave amid Roberto de Zerbi's departure as coach, but then eventually stayed.

However, on Benatia, the American said: 0"Medhi was ready to leave. I called him to convince him to stay until the end of the season, but he told me , 'I'm leaving at the end of the season.' I accepted."

On Richard, who replaces Pablo Longoria, McCourt also stated: "His name immediately emerged. He has experience, knows Marseille, and has proven to be the right person for this project."