Steve Mandanda Back in Top Form Thanks to Bielsa’s Tough Love
At 29 years old, Steve Mandanda has reclaimed his best form between the posts for Olympique de Marseille, starting all 9 Ligue 1 matches this season with notable performances. According to L’Équipe, much of this resurgence is thanks to his coach Marcelo Bielsa, who reignited the goalkeeper’s motivation during a difficult summer.
During preseason, Mandanda’s form was a concern for Marseille staff. It was goalkeeping coach Stéphane Cassard who raised the alarm with Bielsa, pointing out the keeper’s sluggish performances. Bielsa responded in his trademark no-nonsense style, warning Mandanda that his starting spot was not guaranteed.
That message hit home.
Motivated and refocused, Mandanda reportedly shed six kilos and threw himself into training with renewed intensity. The results are now clear on the pitch.
Given this impressive turnaround, questions are beginning to swirl about Mandanda’s future. With his stock rising again, and his leadership still intact, speculation is mounting that clubs may come calling for the French international—raising the possibility of a departure from OM in the near future.
For now, though, Marseille is reaping the rewards of a keeper who responded to pressure with professionalism.
