McCourt made the statement when unveiling Stephane Richard as new OM president.
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Benatia was prepared to leave amid Roberto de Zerbi's departure as coach, but then eventually stayed.
However, on Benatia, the American said: "Medhi was ready to leave. I called him to convince him to stay until the end of the season, but he told me , 'I'm leaving at the end of the season.' I accepted."
On Richard, who replaces Pablo Longoria, McCourt also stated: "His name immediately emerged. He has experience, knows Marseille, and has proven to be the right person for this project."