As the shock approaches between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, any gesture, any statement is closely scrutinized. This week, Mehdi Benatia, director of OM football, found himself under the spotlight. An apparently harmless but revealed reaction on social networks has revived the debate around its role and its image a few days before a very sensitive match.
Benatia praises a Parisian, the timing questions
During the broad Parisian success against Atalanta (4-0) in the Champions League, Benatia did not hide his admiration in front of the magnificent goal of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Filmed in private then relayed in Instagram story, he commented on the action of the Georgian: “Look how he turns around, look at the ball, look at how he hits. He is struck, he hits… and boom! »» Enthusiastic words that would probably not have caught attention in other circumstances, but which take a particular flavor when approaching a classic.
Basically, Benatia did not do anything wrong: to appreciate a beautiful gesture is natural for any football lover. But as OM sports director, publicly displaying his admiration for a Parisian player can be perceived as a lack of taste. Not a serious error, but a clumsiness at a time when the unit around the Marseille club should take precedence.
Shared supporters
On the side of Marseille fans, the reaction remains measured. Some have put into perspective, explaining that “we can be sports director of Marseille and appreciate a nice goal”. Others have seen it as a lack of vigilance at a time when rivalry with Paris is more than ever exacerbated. This contrast illustrates how every word or gesture can become a source of debate in such a tense context.
In the end, the case should not go further. But she recalls that a sports director is not a simple spectator and that each word counts, especially before an appointment like OM-PSG. Benatia, a former defender accustomed to European shocks, knows that the main thing will be played on Sunday evening. Until then, he will have to ensure that discussions relate more to the field than to his comments.
