Olympique de Marseille is implementing a significant internal reorganization following the 2024-25 season. Despite achieving a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and securing a return to the Champions League, the club is set to redefine the positions of two prominent figures: Jean-Pierre Papin and Fabrizio Ravanelli.
President Pablo Longoria addressed underlying issues during his end-of-season press conference, stating, “There’s a way of meddling in others’ affairs that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. It’s a disease, and I want to eradicate this disease.” This candid comment underscored a sense of internal discomfort and signaled a summer of operational changes, reportedly being driven by football director Mehdi Benatia.
Fabrizio Ravanelli is expected to remain at the club in his capacity as an institutional and sporting advisor. His initial responsibilities included media interactions and integrating new players. However, his close working relationship with former coach Roberto De Zerbi’s staff is understood to have contributed to internal friction during the latter part of the season.
Jean-Pierre Papin`s future role is also being reassessed following a challenging period managing the OM reserve team. His protracted disagreement with Ali Zarrak, who now serves as Benatia’s assistant, reportedly peaked last autumn, although Papin continued on the reserves` bench until the season concluded.
Marseille has decided to promote Romain Ferrier, who joined as Papin’s assistant in December, to take charge of the reserve squad for the 2025-26 campaign. Sources indicate that Papin is currently in discussions with President Longoria regarding a new assignment, likely one with a more symbolic nature rather than day-to-day operational duties.
Despite the reported tensions, Longoria appears keen to avoid completely severing ties with iconic former players. Nevertheless, the club president is reportedly determined to establish a clear and strong division between Marseille’s sporting and administrative functions.
A formal announcement outlining OM’s updated internal structure is reportedly anticipated within the next ten days.
