**Jean-Michel Aulas' Marseille Struggles to Stay Competitive Ahead of Round 26, Payet's Free Kick Misses the Target, Despite Struggling with Competition**

At the heart of the French Ligue 1 Round 26 clash, Jean-Michel Aulas' performance has been a point of concern for many players. Despite his strong defensive record and key role in the team, Aulas has been struggling to maintain his competitive edge. On the other hand, French striker Payet's free-kick, which has been the team's main target, has been a significant challenge for Aulas. This article will delve into the struggles of Aulas, Payet's issues, and the broader implications for the team.

**Jean-Michel Aulas: The Underperformer's Factors**

Jean-Michel Aulas has consistently shown his resilience and determination in Ligue 1, but this round has proven to be a bumpy ride. His defensive focus has been a strength, but Aulas has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in the final stages of the match. Aulas' performance has been influenced by a combination of factors, including his defensive prowess, mental state, and technical ability.

One of the key factors contributing to Aulas' struggles is his competitive nature. He has been a dominant presence in his team, but this round has tested his ability to stay competitive. Aulas has struggled to avoid the opposition's offensive options, particularly Payet's free-kick, which has been a recurring target for him. This has resulted in Aulas losing valuable opportunities and allowing Payet to gain an advantage.

Payet's free-kick has been a constant challenge for Aulas. Despite his ability to score, Payet's cross-attacks have been more difficult to counter. Aulas' inability to stay focused on these opportunities has resulted in him conceding several chances, including a goal. This has left Aulas significantly down, and his mental state has been negatively impacted.

**Jean-Michel Aulas' Mental State**

Aulas' performance has been closely tied to his mental state. This round has been particularly challenging for him, as he has been struggling with his focus and concentration. Aulas has been affected by the weather conditions of the day, which has caused him to feel more fatigued and less focused. This mental state has made it difficult for him to maintain his competitive edge, and he has struggled to stay motivated.

Aulas' motivation has been a major factor in his struggles. Despite his previous performances, Aulas has been struggling to stay positive and focused. This has led to him missing some opportunities and letting Payet score, which has caused him to feel a sense of disappointment. Aulas has been working hard to overcome this, but his mental state has been a significant barrier.

**Aulas' Technical Improvements**

Despite the challenges, Aulas has made some progress in recent matches. His footwork has been more fluid, and he has shown signs of improvement in cross-attacks. However, there is still a significant gap between his technical ability and the level of consistency required to maintain his competitive edge. Aulas has been struggling to stay focused, and this has led to his performance being inconsistent.

**The Impact on the Team**

Aulas' struggles have had a significant impact on the team. His inability to stay competitive has left the team in a difficult position, with the risk of losing crucial goals. Payet's free-kick has been a key area of focus for the opposition, and Aulas' inability to counter it has resulted in the team's inability to score. This has left the French Ligue 1 race heavily on the table for the Marseille team.

**Conclusion**

Jean-Michel Aulas' performance in Round 26 has been a bumpy one, particularly against Payet. While he has made some progress, especially in his technical abilities, his mental state has been a significant barrier. Aulas' struggles have left the team in a difficult position, and his inability to stay competitive has left him vulnerable to further mistakes.

For Aulas to improve, it is crucial for him to focus on his game and maintain his mental state. He should work on his defensive record and focus on key areas of the team to gain the upper hand. Payet's free-kick remains a constant challenge, and Aulas should pay extra attention to his ability to counter these opportunities. With these changes, Aulas has the potential to maintain his competitive edge and make an impact on the French Ligue 1.