Marseille Rebuilds for Champions league Return Despite Rabiot Departure
MARSEILLE,FRANCE – September 15,2025 – Olympique de Marseille heads into its Champions League campaign bolstered by a revamped squad,according to director of football Medhi Benatia,despite a turbulent August that included the departure of key midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The club returns to Europe’s elite competition on Tuesday, September 16, facing Real Madrid at 9 p.m.
Benatia, a former player for Juventus and Bayern Munich, took the helm as OM’s director of football in January, having initially joined as a sports advisor in November 2023. His primary objective upon arrival was to secure Champions League qualification for the Marseille club.
A convincing 4-0 victory against Lorient, featuring contributions from recent acquisitions, has further fueled optimism. Coach Roberto de Zerbi has already declared the transfer window a success.
“I feel confident and above all reassured as we had a vrey elaborate month of August emotionally,between departures,arrivals,these two defeats [à Rennes et à Lyon],the departure of Adri [Adrien Rabiot]…” Benatia stated. “While we had made a great preparation and all the lights were green, we had to stay focused to finish this transfer window. We did what we wanted, with youth, quality, experience, within our financial limits. We are happy: the craze has returned and the atmosphere has changed inside the group.”
Benatia emphasized the club’s success in balancing departures and arrivals, strengthening the squad across all positions while adhering to financial constraints.
