Steve Mandanda: 'Hard work is paying off for Marseille'

Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has said that his efforts on the training ground have contributed to the club's recent upturn in form.

Despite being still nine points behind Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille have tightened up at the back and have not conceded a goal in six league games.

"The only response [to critics] is the one we showed on the pitch, putting together a run of good performances," he told the club's official website.

"I am happy to have responded this way but it is simply the result of the work I did with Lolo [Spinosi, goalkeeping coach]. We have always worked hard and now it is paying off.

"I was not at my best for a few weeks, that's true, but I did not deserve that criticism - especially in that way. People talked about my weight, my mental state, anything, but I can say clearly: I have the same weight, the same mind, I train the same, all that has changed is I have been more successful."

Marseille travel to Lorient on Saturday.