Confident in their strength, OM have shown over the course of their last two matches that they are capable of turning situations around. The squad feel that they have stepped up a level, mentally.

OM have learnt how to kill off matches in the second half. Over the course of the last two matches, Marseille have done even better. When they have fallen behind, they have become able to hit harder and turn matches around, managing to win.
The match on Sunday against Lille was played out in three acts. First of all, the opening goal for Lille by Hazard in the 49th minute. Secondly, the OM equaliser thanks to Cheyrou in the 54th minute. And finally, three minutes later, Mamadou Niang fired home to give his side the advantage.

Only eight minutes were necessary for Erik Gerets’s men to change the match completely and prove that the hold their destiny in their own hands  : «Once again we conceded a goal, but the reaction that came afterwards proves that they are mentally strong and believe in themselves  » analyses the OM coach. The phenomenon repeated itself, just like had been the case against Lorient last week-end. «It’s something new, that has become the culture of a squad that is growing in stature. Four or five years ago, we didn’t win matches like that  » admits José Anigo. For Hatem Ben Arfa, it is the strength of « leaders » : « When you look at the great teams, like Chelsea, when they go behind it isn’t a problem. They know that they have the confidence to get back into the match  ».
This season, and particularly in 2009, OM seem to have stepped up a level psychologically: « I’m not sure that we would have won that match at the start of the season, I don’t think we would have been able to pull ourselves back into it. Since the turn of the year we are in much better form, we are more focused and are racking up great peformances  » states Mamadou Samassa, who came on at the end of the match against Lille.
The team spirit is praised, the desire and the hardwork admired. OM have a mental strength which can get them by just about anything. « Today, we’ve realised that nothing is impossible. We can do anything. The players have finally realised that  »concludes José Anigo.