Thiago Motta believes Paris Saint-Germain can learn from Ligue 1
leaders Marseille in their quest for a third successive league title.PSG are only a point behind Marseille as they prepare to host Nantes at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
But despite their unbeaten start to the 2014-15 Ligue 1 campaign after 16 matches, PSG have come in for heavy criticism this season.
Many believe the capital club have gone backwards under coach Laurent Blanc, whose future has been cast into doubt as a result.
Italian midfielder Motta, who played the full 90 minutes as PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by Lille on Wednesday, conceded the reigning champions were "better" last season.
The 32-year-old also pointed out Marcelo Bielsa's Marseille as an example, highlighting their collective work ethic on the pitch.
"The way we had possession of the ball was so much different last season. Yes, we had a lot of the ball, but we knew exactly what we wanted to do with it and what we needed to do with it to put our opponents in danger," Motta told The Ligue 1 show.
"With or without the ball we were playing more as a team. We were more compact. We would all give that little bit extra to help our teammates on the pitch.
"At times, certainly not always but at times, that effort has been missing from our game this year."
Motta added: "When you watch Marseille you can see that the first defender on the pitch is [striker Andre-Pierre] Gignac. He gives so much for the team.
"They might not have a player at the same level as, say an [Zlatan]Ibrahimovic, but they're a real team and they showed us that when we played them earlier this season.
"Maybe PSG can learn a thing or two from them in that regard to help us improve."
Marseille will be out to maintain their lead at the summit when they conclude the Ligue 1 round at home Metz on Sunday.
Lyon are hot on the trail of Marseille and PSG after grinding out a dramatic 2-1 win over Reims on Thursday.
Ligue 1's joint-leading goalscorer Alexandre Lacazette (11) was the hero, netting the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Lacazette's last-gasp goal helped Lyon close to within five points of Marseille ahead of their trip to Evian TG on Sunday, much to the "relief" of coach Hubert Fournier, who said he had "lost hope of winning because we thought we had missed our chance".
Saint-Etienne (29 points), Rennes and Bordeaux (both level on 28 points) are both at home on Saturday.
Fourth-placed Saint-Etienne - who were 2-0 winners against Montpellier midweek - welcome cellar-dwelling Bastia to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Rennes entertain Montpellier as they attempt to extend their winning streak to five matches, while lowly Lorient travel to Bordeaux.
In other fixtures, third-bottom Caen and fellow strugglers Nice go head-to-head on Saturday.
Monaco, who returned to form against Lens during the week, kick-off the round at Toulouse on Friday.
Out-of-form Lille - winless in 11 games in all competitions - make the trip to Lens for the Derby du Nord on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Reims and Guingamp are also in action on the same day.
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