The lines are moving at Olympique de Marseille, which announces a resounding start this Wednesday evening.
The press release came shortly after 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday evening. While reaffirming “ commitment “, ” trust ” And ” attachment to the club » of the main shareholder Frank McCourt, OM announces a shake-up in its organization chart: the departure of Javier Ribalta, until then director of football but in voluntary withdrawal since the famous – and stormy – meeting with the supporters on September 18 at the Commandery.
“ Chaired by Pablo Longoria and composed to date of four members, the Executive Board will continue its mission of in-depth transformation of the club without the contribution of Javier Ribalta whom Olympique de Marseille would particularly like to thank for his involvement and professionalism throughout. of his Olympian adventure », trumpets the Marseille club, reinforcing in their functions Pedro Iriondo, dedicated to strategy and development, and Stéphane Tessier, who will have “ under his responsibility five key areas namely operations, business, administration and finance, communication and sports “. A final provisional allocation while waiting for management to “ made its choice on the appropriate profile » to replace Javier Ribalta.
Benatia sensed
“ The numerous discussions that we have had over the last few weeks have enabled us to begin a long process of reflection and projection which has resulted, among other things, in an evolution of our sporting and administrative organization in the interest of the club and its stakeholders.underlines President Pablo Longoria, who for a time also hesitated to leave OM. Strengthened by this development, the unfailing support and involvement of our shareholder, Frank McCourt, we will continue with determination and serenity our work of analysis, consultation, transformation and consolidation of the club at the highest level to be at the height of the history and ambitions of Olympique de Marseille. »
Official press release from Olympique de Marseille
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) October 11, 2023
At this time, a profile clearly emerges to take over from the resigning Spanish executive: that of Mehdi Benatia. Having passed through OM during his training, the former Moroccan international defender had a career at Roma, Bayern or Juve before getting involved in the world of player agents over the last two years. The person concerned was able to develop his international network through this activity – an asset of choice in the eyes of Pablo Longoria, who worked alongside Mehdi Benatia during his years in Turin, between 2016 and 2019. The first echoes indicate a keen interest from the former Lion of the Atlas for this position now officially vacant in Marseille. Discussions would be initiated.
