Benatia leaves OM to become consultant for European nights

Medhi Benatia has found his next role: the former director of football at Olympique de Marseille is joining Canal+’s consultant team, as the channel officially announced during its back-to-school press conference on Wednesday.

The announcement surprised some in football circles. Benatia had only left OM just over two months ago, after spending a year and a half leading recruitment and sporting policy at the Marseille club. A move into television was not the most anticipated outcome.

Thomas Sénécal, head of the channel’s sports department, explained the details of this recruitment to L’Équipe: “We had been in talks for several weeks and it concluded Tuesday evening. He will appear on European nights, UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League, but also in the Late Football Club.” Benatia will reunite with another summer signing, Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui.

Sénécal justified the choice by emphasizing the diversity of his background: “His experience is extensive, as a top-level player at Bayern, Juventus, Roma, with the Moroccan national team… And recently as director of football at OM. He’s a young 39-year-old consultant, completely immersed in today’s football game. He has opinions, he’s capable of debate and isn’t afraid of contradiction.” A quality Benatia had already amply demonstrated during his time at Marseille.