Marseille's chaotic season took another twist as sporting director Medhi Benatia returned to the club just two days after resigning. The former defender quit on Sunday following the departure of coach Roberto De Zerbi, but American owner Frank McCourt announced Benatia would oversee all sporting activities until season's end.

Benatia's resignation came amid mounting pressure after Marseille's disastrous run of results, including a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and elimination from the Champions League. The club sits 12 points behind leader Lens in fourth place, with only the French Cup offering realistic silverware hopes. During Saturday's 2-2 draw with Strasbourg, angry fans staged protests, with Ultras vacating stands and displaying banners demanding McCourt and president Pablo Longoria leave.

Longoria will now focus on institutional matters representing Marseille in French and European bodies. The club faces Toulouse in the French Cup quarterfinals next month, their last realistic chance for a trophy since the defunct League Cup in 2012. Reports suggest former Marseille defender Habib Beye could be named coach soon, while assistant Jacques Abardonado currently serves in an interim capacity following De Zerbi's departure.