Marseille Chief Denies Ex-Tottenham Star Refused to Play with Greenwood Over Attitude Concerns

Marseille’s Benatia Denies Reports of Player Revolt Against Greenwood
[Image: Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia addressing media]

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has vehemently denied claims that senior players Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Adrien Rabiot refused to play alongside Mason Greenwood. The allegations emerged amid scrutiny over the forward’s attitude and a recent dip in form for the Ligue 1 club.

Greenwood, on loan from Manchester United, is Marseille’s top scorer this season with 17 goals. However, French outlet La Provence recently awarded him a 1/10 rating for his performance in a 3-0 loss to Monaco, criticizing his “lack of seriousness.” Reports then alleged that Hojbjerg and Rabiot—key midfielders with Premier League and PSG pedigrees—had rejected playing with the 23-year-old.

Benatia Blasts “False” Claims
Benatia dismissed the rumors as attempts to “sow discord” within the club. “Can you imagine? Hojbjerg never came to see me [to demand Greenwood’s removal],” he stated. “These are two professionals who only want to unite the team. The people spreading these lies don’t want what’s best for Marseille.”

[Image: Greenwood in action for Marseille]

The controversy comes as Marseille struggles on the pitch, losing five of their last seven matches. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who replaced the sacked Gennaro Gattuso in October, has publicly backed Greenwood despite reports of friction over the player’s work rate. “He’s a natural talent,” De Zerbi said. “I’m here to push him to become more complete. He has the qualities to be remembered as one of Marseille’s greats.”

Greenwood’s Rocky Road
[Image: Greenwood during his Manchester United days]

Greenwood’s move to Marseille last summer followed a turbulent exit from Manchester United. Charges of attempted rape and assault against him were dropped in 2023 after key witnesses withdrew. He rebuilt his career on loan at Getafe, scoring 10 goals in La Liga, but his arrival in France sparked fan protests under the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome.

Despite the backlash, Greenwood has been a rare bright spot for Marseille, though his recent form has waned (one goal in five games). The club sits just one point above Lyon in the race for Champions League qualification, adding pressure ahead of their clash with bottom-side Montpellier.

[Image: De Zerbi coaching Marseille]

Benatia also denied rumors of locker-room divisions over De Zerbi’s tactics, calling claims the coach “lost the dressing room” categorically false. “He gives love to everyone—sometimes too much,” Benatia joked.

As Marseille fights for European football, all eyes remain on Greenwood. The forward, who recently applied to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, will aim to silence critics and reignite his scoring touch in the season’s final stretch.

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