Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has furiously denied claims that two senior players have refused to play with Mason Greenwood.
Despite being the club’s top scorer, the former Manchester United star has been the subject of several damning recent reports that have raised questions over his attitude.
The most recent of which alleges that senior Marseille players, former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and ex-Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot, have refused to play alongside the forward.
Benatia strenuously refuted the claims and sensationally alleged that some within the club are ‘trying to sow discord’.
The shocking development comes after Greenwood was given a 1/10 by French outlet La Provence for his performance in Marseille’s 3-0 defeat by Monaco – their fifth in the last seven matches.
‘As gifted as he can be – when he wants to be, and that’s increasingly rare,’ began the scathing assessment of his display. ‘The former Man Utd player exasperates with his lack of seriousness.’
A sensationally recent report has claimed that two senior Marseille stars refused to play alongside Mason Greenwood
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has furiously denied the allegations and claimed that some within the club are ‘trying to sow discord’
Former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was alleged to have asked for the removal of Greenwood from the Marseille squad
Benatia fumed at rumours that Hojbjerg – in his first season with the club after departing north London – went to his office and called for the removal of Greenwood and Luis Henrique from Marseille’s squad.
‘Can you imagine?’ Benatia told the outlet. ‘He didn’t come to see me. And what’s more, do you think I need a player to tell me that?
‘Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is one of the most professional in the locker room, a guy who only wants to unite and carry everyone along with him, like Rabiot.
‘Today, Adri is dying inside, he only wants one thing: to reach the Champions League. These two are truly two examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Luis Henrique or Greenwood. The people who say that don’t want the best for OM.’
Greenwood has recently been restored to the starting line-up after he had been dropped by manager Roberto De Zerbi, with reports in France suggesting the former Brighton boss was dissatisfied with his work rate.
The Italian addressed the issue last month and claimed the forward is not accustomed to the intense workload he has had this season. Earlier this month, De Zerbi went a step further and claimed that Greenwood ‘has the qualities’ to join the pantheon of Marseille greats.
‘Greenwood is a natural talent,’ he said. ‘All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I’m here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give it. And when I need to push him to give more, I have to do that too because that’s my job.’
‘I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Velodrome,’ he added.
It was also claimed that ex-PSG star Adrien Rabiot did not want to play with the 23-year-old
Despite reports that Roberto De Zerbi has been dissatisfied with Greenwood’s worth ethic, the former Brighton boss has publicly supported the striker on several occasions
‘There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered that way. And I’m trying to help him progress.’
However, it appears the public praise has done little to quiet speculation of a rift in the dressing room and Marseille’s woeful form has even seen De Zerbi’s position at the club come under threat.
In addition to his dismissal of the reports concerning Greenwood, Benatia was keen to deny claims of a split in the Marseille camp over discontent with the Italian’s tactics.
‘When a coach reads in L’Equipe that he’s lost the dressing room, he’s devastated. It’s absolutely false,’ he added. ‘He gives love to everyone, and even a little too much for my taste.
‘I always tell the players, the staff, and the employees that I’m not here to make friends. I only want people who work hard for OM.’
The French giants, now just a point ahead of Lyon in the final Champions League qualification spot, will hope to return to winning ways against bottom club Montpellier on Saturday.
Similarly, Greenwood will be keen to add to his career-best tally of 17 goals, having only found the net once in his last five matches.
The 23-year-old left Manchester United under a cloud last summer after he was arrested in January 2022 before being charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Greenwood will be keen to add to his career-best tally of 17 goals, having only found the net once in his last five matches, when Marseille take on bottom club Montpellier
Charges against Greenwood were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service following the ‘withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light’. Greenwood has always denied the allegations.
Greenwood reignited his career on loan at Spanish outfit Getafe last season, where he bagged 10 goals and six assists.
His move to France sparked a backlash from livid Marseille fans, who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign when he was initially linked with the club.
He has since formally applied to switch his international allegiance from England, for whom he made one outing, to Steve McClaren’s Jamaica.