Medhi Benatia says Pablo Longoria ‘lied’ to him during his time at Marseille

Medhi Benatia says Pablo Longoria ‘lied’ to him during his time at Marseille Medhi Benatia has come out and criticised Pablo Longoria. The pair worked together at Olympique de Marseille for two seasons, however, their relationship became strained towards the end of their respective tenures. Benatia, since leaving Marseille earlier this year, has been critical of Longoria, who also departed his role at OM. The former president is now working in South America at River Plate. The pair’s relationship began to break down at the start of the year, just prior to the departure of Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian’s exit precipitated a mass overhaul, with the manager, sporting director, and president all replaced within a matter of months. Benatia, in an interview with Canal Plus, has accused his former colleague, Longoria, of “lying” to him. The OM sporting director gives a specific example. “The manager (De Zerbi) thought that in the month of January we would have €30m to recruit a top lad up front. When I told him, ‘Coach, you haven’t understood; we need to bring in €35m!’, he told me, ‘What?!? But that’s not what I was told!’, ‘Well, me neither ‘.” Benatia added, “He lied to me anyway. I’ll say it on TV, he lied to me, of course he lied to me!” In their wake was financial despair. The club were forced to significantly reduce the wage bill over the summer and sell many key players. Further sales are expected in January as the new directors look to restore financial equilibrium and fulfil promises made to the DNCG and UEFA. GFFN | Luke Entwistle