Mehdi Benatia is finally the new sports advisor at Olympique de Marseille. After several weeks of discussions since the departure of the former football director, Javier Ribalta, OM formalized this Thursday the arrival of Mehdi Benatia as sports advisor.
“In close collaboration with Pablo Longoria, Chairman of the Management Board, and Stéphane Tessier, Managing Director, he will assist in the development and implementation of the club’s sports strategy, in particular to attract, train and retain the best talents », Explains the club in a press release. He will also have to participate in “detection and scouting missions” in conjunction with Roberto Malfitano, appointed head of scouting.
JPP will take charge of the reserve
Olympique de Marseille also announces the takeover of the reserve team by Jean-Pierre Papin, until then ambassador of the club, a role which he retains. “With a view to continuing and strengthening, a little further, the policy undertaken by the management of Olympique de Marseille in terms of training and supporting its young talents towards the professional world, Jean-Pierre Papin is appointed coach of the reserve team,” explains OM.
These formalizations come after numerous departures, including those of Javier Ribalta, but also of David Friio, the former sports director who left by mutual agreement with OM, who must sign this Thursday at Olympique Lyonnais to occupy the same position.