PSG must remain ‘positive’ despite Bayern defeat, says Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique said Paris Saint-Germain must remain positive ahead of their return home despite losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.

The Parisiens slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday to drop to 25th in the new 36-team standings and four points clear of the play-off places.

PSG have lost three of their five Champions League matches this season (W1 D1), their most defeats in a single group stage in the competition since 2004-05 (three), the last time they failed to reach the knockout stages reaches.

However, Luis Enrique did not want to dwell on his latest defeat, instead urging his players to continue their good form in Ligue 1 at home to Nantes on Saturday.

“From what we saw it was positive. We were playing against a contender for the final away from home,” said Luis Enrique.

“I liked what I saw, despite everything there are always areas for improvement. But it is important to stay positive.

“Bayern are one of the favorites to win the final. We applied the same pressure as usual. I tried to change things.

“I haven't seen a team this season that has caused them more problems than us.

“I am confident. We should have nine points in the Champions League. I am not hiding behind that. I liked what I saw in Munich. I am very optimistic.”

𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄Nantes30/11 – 21h#PSGFCN I @visitrwanda_now pic.twitter.com/khu10fQq3K

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 28, 2024

PSG sit at the top of the Ligue 1 standings after amassing 32 points from their 12 games so far this season.

This is the sixth time they have achieved so many points at this stage of a top-flight campaign (after 1985-86, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2022-23).

And Luis Enrique can be confident his side will return to winning ways given their impressive record against this weekend's opponents.

PSG have scored in each of their last 26 Ligue 1 matches against Nantes (64 goals in total), the longest streak in their history against a top flight opponent.

However, Nantes could become the team that has beaten PSG the most in Ligue 1 in the 21st century (currently at 27, tied with Marseille), with a win on Saturday.

And despite being in 16th place, Luis Enrique believes Nantes' performances this season have earned them more points than the ten they have achieved so far.

“(Nantes) have fewer points than the team deserves. They come into the match after a run of (four league) defeats, but I expect a tough match,” he added.

“We have to keep winning and building good habits ahead of the Champions League.”