Hervé Renard, coach of Ivory Coast, affirmed during the program “Charlii – Parlons Sport” that the story between Medhi Benatia and Olympique de Marseille would not be over. Although he did not give a precise date, the coach expressed his conviction that the Moroccan will one day return to the Marseille club.
Benatia, a former Moroccan international defender, began his career in the OM training center before moving abroad. After a period as sports advisor in Marseille in November 2023, he gradually assumed more responsibilities within sports management, until the end of his mandate scheduled for mid-2026. His attachment to OM is underlined by Renard, who recalls that the player has always had a strong link with the club, even if he was unable to establish himself sustainably in the professional ranks.
“I think his heart is Marseille,” said Renard, recalling that Benatia grew up within the OM academy and that his ambition was to build an important career with the club. The coach added that, even if the return will not happen immediately, it is certain that Benatia will return one day. He said it could take several years, but the certainty of his return remains.
For OM, a possible return of Benatia could prove complex, given recent tensions and criticism from certain supporters. Nevertheless, the prospect of the former sporting director's return is seen as a sign of hope for the club, which is looking to strengthen its squad and management after a tumultuous period. The next steps remain to be defined, but Renard's announcement suggests a possible rebirth of the relationship between Benatia and OM.