Pape Diouf resigned as president last month and was succeeded by Jean-Claude Dassier, whose initial plan to bring in Jean-Pierre Bernes as his right-hand man prompted sporting director Jose Anigo to ponder his future.

But Dassier had second thoughts on the matter and Anigo vowed to stay, meaning thoughts now turn to on-field affairs.

Coach Eric Gerets left at the end of last term to take over at Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, with Didier Deschamps taking over in the OM hotseat.

And Mandanda, although surprised by the presidential change, has every confidence the new era will be a successful one.

The 24-year-old told Le Parisien: "I heard the news via the internet. I am disappointed, I did not expect it at all."

On Deschamps, he continued: "His record as a player and what he did at Monaco and Juventus speaks for itself. There is therefore no reason to think this appointment is wrong. He is the right person to succeed Eric Gerets.

"We finished in third place in 2008, second last season... this year for the title!"