WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Marseille chief denies astonishing rumour about Mason Greenwood
The forward's attitude has been question amid his club's poor form
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Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has issued a furious denial of reports claiming senior players Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Adrien Rabiot have refused to play alongside Mason Greenwood.
The former Manchester United forward, despite being the club's top scorer, has been the subject of several damning reports questioning his attitude.
Benatia strenuously refuted these claims, sensationally suggesting that some within the club are "trying to sow discord" at a time when Marseille are struggling for form.
The former footballer specifically addressed rumours that Hojbjerg had visited his office to demand the removal of Greenwood and Luis Henrique from the squad.
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has issued a furious denial of reports claiming senior players Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Adrien Rabiot have refused to play alongside Mason Greenwood
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"Can you imagine?" Benatia told reporters. "He didn't come to see me. And what's more, do you think I need a player to tell me that?"
The sporting director's comments come after Greenwood received a scathing 1/10 rating from French outlet La Provence following Marseille's 3-0 defeat to Monaco.
Benatia was emphatic in his defence of both players, describing Hojbjerg as "one of the most professional in the locker room, a guy who only wants to unite and carry everyone along with him, like Rabiot."
"Today, Adri is dying inside, he only wants one thing: to reach the Champions League," Benatia continued.
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Marseille duo Adrien Rabiot and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had been accused of refusing to play with Mason Greenwood
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"These two are truly two examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Luis Henrique or Greenwood. The people who say that don't want the best for OM."
Greenwood's recent performances have drawn criticism from French media, with La Provence delivering a particularly scathing assessment of his display against Monaco.
"As gifted as he can be when he wants to be, and that's increasingly rare," the outlet wrote. "The former Man Utd player exasperates with his lack of seriousness."
This criticism comes during a difficult period for Marseille, who have lost five of their last seven matches.
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Greenwood has scored just once in his last five appearances, despite amassing a career-best 17 goals this season.
Despite earlier reports of dissatisfaction with Greenwood's work rate, manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly backed the forward.
"Greenwood is a natural talent," De Zerbi said last month. "All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I'm here to help him become more complete."
The Italian went further, suggesting Greenwood could join Marseille's pantheon of greats.
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"I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Velodrome," he added.
However, De Zerbi's public praise appears to have done little to quell speculation of dressing room discord as Marseille's poor form continues.
Benatia also denied reports of player discontent with De Zerbi's tactics.
Mason Greenwood has scored 17 goals for Marseille this season
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"When a coach reads in L'Equipe that he's lost the dressing room, he's devastated. It's absolutely false," he insisted.
Marseille now sit just one point ahead of Lyon in the final Champions League qualification spot.
They will hope to return to winning ways against bottom club Montpellier on Saturday.