De Zerbi reveals when he will leave Marseille

Olympique Marseille manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has said he will leave the club once the director of football, Medhi Benatia, leaves. 

Benatia had addressed his future after the heartbreaking defeat in the Champions Trophy final against PSG on penalties.

Marseille had come back from behind to lead 2-1, only for Goncalo Ramos to equalise for the European champions at the death. 

The game went into penalties, and PSG came out victorious 4-3 

Benatia, a former Marseille defender, had said after the defeat that it’s difficult to plan, especially with penalties.

Marseille had gone into the game suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Nantes.

“After the Nantes match, everything was a disaster. So, for my part, I’m not looking that far ahead at all. You just have to know how to enjoy these kinds of matches, even if it’s not a victory, appreciate the work that’s been done, and not constantly criticise. Before long, you’ll see that there will be other people in our position; we’ll have to give them time to work.” 

Benatia, who had mentioned his potential departure often, speaks of a three-year plan since taking office.

Responding to a question on this on Monday, De Zerbi linked his future to that of the former defender, who was instrumental in his signing in the summer of 2024.

“He loves Marseille, perhaps even more than I do; he’s the one who brought me here.  I’m loyal and honest. For me, the day Benatia leaves, I’ll leave too. If either Pablo Longoria or Benatia is no longer here, then I’ll leave as well,” he added.

The former Morocco international, in an interview with L’Équipe in 2025, said it is exhausting, mentally and physically, for him.

Coincidentally, the contract of the Moroccan’s contract and that of the gaffer with OM runs until 2027.

As it remains unclear whether he will see that contract out, De Zerbi doesn’t see Benatia’s mission coming to an end this summer. 

“I don’t think he was referring to a departure at the end of the season,” said De Zerbi in Monday’s press conference.

Whether both will see out those deals is unclear, but now more than ever, it is clear that their destinies are intertwined.