Invited to the programme "Décrassage" on OMtv, the OM midfielder is not getting carried away by the victory over OL. He is staying focused on OM's objective of third place and analyses is first season with Marseille.

What is your analysis of the win against OL?
We started the game well and put in a very good first half technically, tactically and we managed to close them down all over the pitch. Our two goals were reassuring, but then we started to pull back towards the end of the half. We obviously started to worry when they scored from the set piece. But was that doubt that made us come out determined and full of ambition in the second half.

Before the game you stated that the team was highly motivated …
It was a big game, a bit like a Champions League encounter, it was important in the race for third place as we knew that Nancy had beaten Paris earlier on. We couldn’t allow them to build up too big a gap, so yes we were very motivated.

Kanga Akalé appears to have found a new lease of life since being replaced on the right wing…
I know Kanga Akalé well, having played with him for three tears at Auxerre. He can bring us a whole lot of attacking options as he is unpredictable and that can unsettle defenders.

The first goal, scored by Djibril Cissé, was it a relief…?
It was very important. We didn’t back down after this first goal, we kept on pushing to try and get a second goal. We fought well and the second goal did us the world of good. It was very positive as it showed Lyon that it was going to be very difficult for them to take any points from us.

OM conceded a lot of free kicks around 20 or 30 metres out even knowing the qualities OL have in that domain, especially with Juninho …
We know all about Juninho and his skill at free kicks. There are other players like Ben Arfa who can be dangerous as well. They are difficult to defend against and sometimes we have to commit fouls. Ben Arfa is technically strong, he is very quick and doesn’t hesitate to try and go past you.

OM’s third goal literally knocked OL out …
It was very reassuring for us to score quickly in the second half as we knew that OL would be coming out pushing for an equaliser. The third goal allowed us to calm down a lot.

Steve Mandanda was once again in top form, pullin goff some great saves at the end of the match …
He saved us on two or three occasions. He put in another great performance against Lyon.

There are six games left. OM, in fourth place, are three points behind Nancy but have left the chasing pack behind …
It’s not over yet… We have shown that we weren’t going to let anything go in our pursuit of Nancy, and they won’t be doing us any favours. We’re going to give everything we have in order to get into the Champions League.

Eric Gerets showed you some excerpts from the programme "Supporters" on OMtv, filmed at Lorient to try and motivate you. Were you touched by it ?
The coach told us that we already new the way Lyon played having seen them often enough on the TV. He wanted to make us think about something else by showing us the supporters. We do realize everything they do, the things that happen to them and the sacrifices they make to come and support us.

Fighting for them, giving back to them what they give to you, does that give you extra motivation  ?
We often meet supporters in the street and we know what OM means to the people of Marseille. We saw on Sunday how fantastic it can be and the happiness it can bring to the people.

What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room after the game  ?
We were very satisfied to have taken 6 points from Lyon this season. We know it’s a bit of an upset. We’re enjoying it, knowing that we have 6 games left to achieve our objective. We can’t get carried away.

After this game against the leaders you now have to go to Metz who are rooted to the foot of the table. Is this a potential banana skin  ?
Against Metz, we’re expecting a game against a team sitting firmly behind the ball. We’re going to try and keep going on as we have been by trying to score quickly, like we did against Lyon. It would make the game easier for us. But against OM, all teams want to get a result. Metz won’t let the game go easily.

You’ve been at OM for almost a year now. How would you assess your first year with the team  ?
My personal record is a lot like the team’s record. I started the season poorly and was criticised, but I kept on going the way I knew I should and things have gotten a lot better now, just like the team.

You gave your answer to the critics on the field …
It’s my job, it’s what I do best. So my best answers come on the field rather than in the media. My strength is knowing what I am capable of. I’m where I am for a reason. I’ll keep going on the way I have been without doubting.

"Décrassage with Benoit Cheyrou" can be seen on Omtv this Wednesday at 17h10 & 23h10