‘With out the Champions League, it could be a catastrophe’ – Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia
Talking in an explosive interview with , Olympique de Marseille director of soccer Medhi Benatia has stated {that a} potential non-qualifcation to the Champions League would have far-reaching penalties for the membership financially.
“If there we don’t have the Champions League subsequent season, it could be a catastrophe,” defined Benatia forward of Marseille’s must-win match in opposition to Montpellier on Saturday night (21:05 CET). “While you see all of the work that has been carried out, the staff we’ve constructed to get into the Champions League, I couldn’t settle for being on the rostrum on 20 April after which now not there on 18 Could. It’s not doable.”
‘It’s important for OM to be within the Champions League’
The previous Juventus and Bayern Munich defender then spoke in regards to the potential penalties in case of a qualification in Europe’s premier membership competitors. “With out TV rights and with out the Champions League, with the membership’s salaries and bills, I used to be informed that it could be very difficult. It’s a calculated gamble, a danger taken by the decision-makers. I’m not the one making these choices, however we’re all conscious of them. After I ask everybody on the membership to perform a little bit extra, it’s not for nothing.”
“I’m conscious of how necessary that is, however clearly some folks assume that it received’t change something for them as a result of they’re beneath contract with the membership. They’re unsuitable. It’s important for OM to be within the Champions League. Nothing will likely be regular with out the Champions League…”
Marseille’s present third place Champions League spot at present fingers by a thread, with Lyon trailing one level behind and LOSC in addition to Strasbourg chasing simply behind on 50 factors. Les Olympiens face backside aspect Montpellier this night on the Vélodrome.
| George Boxall