Olympique de Marseille is initiating a significant internal restructuring following the demanding 2024–25 campaign. Despite securing a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a return to the Champions League, the club is set to redefine the roles of two prominent figures: Jean-Pierre Papin and Fabrizio Ravanelli.
“There’s a way of meddling in others’ affairs that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world,” commented president Pablo Longoria during his end-of-season press conference. “It’s a disease, and I want to eradicate this disease.”
This forthright statement captured a sense of internal unease and underscored a summer of impending change. This period of transformation is now 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. Originally tasked with media-facing duties and welcoming new signings, the Italian reportedly maintained close ties with Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff. This connection is understood to have been a source of friction during the latter half of the past season.
Jean-Pierre Papin’s future is also being reconsidered subsequent to a challenging spell in charge of OM’s reserve team. His long-standing disagreement with Ali Zarrak, who now serves as Benatia’s assistant, reportedly reached a head last autumn, although Papin did see out the season on the bench.
Marseille has decided to promote Romain Ferrier, who joined as Papin’s assistant in December, to take charge of the reserves for the 2025–26 season. Reports indicate that Papin is currently in discussions with President Longoria regarding a new role, which is anticipated to be more symbolic than operational.
Despite the recent friction, Longoria is reportedly keen not to sever ties with iconic former players. Nevertheless, the Spanish president remains determined to reinforce a clear separation between the club’s sporting and administrative branches.
A formal presentation detailing OM’s new internal structure is expected within the next ten days.
