Mehdi Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, made rare and strong accusations against his own team and club today. He claimed that Marseille has developed a toxic environment and that it is no surprise the team cannot succeed.

Benatia, speaking to the newspaper La Provence, started explosively: “I came to Marseille only because of Pablo Longoria, the club president. The moment he leaves, I will also leave Marseille because there is no reason left for me to love this club except for my friend Pablo Longoria.”

When asked to explain his dissatisfaction with Marseille, Benatia said: “I have problems with many people. With many who claim to belong to this club but are only pursuing their personal interests. In all my life, I have never seen a situation where, when things aren’t going well on the pitch, people inside the club try to sow discord and division within the team.”

Benatia continued: “Some people think this is normal? What kind of normal is this? This is rudeness, this is ingratitude. This is corruption. This is a toxic atmosphere. This club has developed a toxic atmosphere, and for me, it is truly unbearable.”

Marseille’s sporting director then praised coach Roberto De Zerbi to clarify that his criticism was not directed at him. Benatia said: “De Zerbi is just as angry and frustrated as I am because he has worked hard for the team and came with enthusiasm to help us. I don’t know if the players are upset with him or not—some of whom are spies—but De Zerbi has no issues and has done his job in the best possible way.”