Mandanda gears up for ´final sprint´

Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda says he would trade style for results in the crucial final stages of the Ligue 1 season.

Second-placed Marseille are in a battle with as many as six teams for two Champions League places with five games to play but have been criticised in some quarters for their brand of football.

Marseille trail leaders PSG by nine points and lead Lyon by two and Saint-Etienne by four.

“At this stage of the season, there are five games to play. If I could win every game 1-0, I would be happy to,” Mandanda said.

“You guys can say everything you want, it’s still three points. Today, we don’t focus on the quality of our football.

“It’s all about the efficiency. It’s the final sprint and the points are decisive for a qualification to next year’s Champions League.

“I can understand the critics and that you or the supporters are not enjoying the way we play.

“But honestly, the objective with five games to play, is to get as many points as possible. No matter how we get them.”

Elie Baup’s side travel to Lorient, who are also in the hunt for a European place after ramping up their spending this season.

“Lorient are a very good team. They are amongst the teams who can get a European spot (at the end of the season),” Baup said.

“They got a good result at Toulouse. They have started another good run. They are still involved in the Coupe de France and they’ve made many signings.

“In terms of recruitment, I was discussing that with the chairman, Lorient is the team who spent the most after Paris Saint-Germain.

“It shows their ambition and that they are trying to qualify for Europe.”