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.