Marseille have the opportunity to salvage something from a dismal season on Wednesday when they travel to the Stade Auguste-Bonal to face Sochaux in the Coupe de France semi-final.
Head coach Michel has endured a dreadful first campaign at Marseille with just eight wins from 34 Ligue 1 fixtures, leaving the club six points clear of relegation.
"I'm not the one who should say that we have to save the situation, we should see it on the field," said a disconsolate Michel after his side's latest defeat.
"We are in a complicated situation because of the results achieved so far. Whether there is a risk or not, we must face the situation and deal with it.
"The players were not focused on the Coupe. And we're not the favourites, considering what we showed tonight. We will have to prepare not only tactically, but also mentally."
Marseille are the competition's most successful club with 10 Coupe de France triumphs in their history, while Sochaux have won the tournament twice.
The Montbeliard-based club last lifted the trophy in 2007, overcoming Wednesday's opponents 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Albert Cartier's side appeared to be on course for a second relegation in three seasons but a run of five matches without defeat, including three victories, has hauled them away from the drop zone.
