Luis Enrique remains insistent that Paris Saint-Germain have shown steady development over the course of this season, despite seeing their lead at the Ligue 1 summit cut recently.

PSG claimed a vital 3-0 Champions League win over Salzburg in midweek, yet they remain at risk of missing the cut for the competition's knockout-stage play-offs, with just seven points from six games.

Their domestic form has been far better, with the Ligue 1 champions remaining unbeaten after 14 matches ahead of Sunday's clash with Lyon at the Parc des Princes.

However, they have drawn their last two games in Ligue 1 – 1-1 versus Nantes and 0-0 against Auxerre, allowing Marseille to cut their lead at the top of the table to five points.

They could now go three straight games without winning in the same Ligue 1 season for just the second time in three years, having also done so between February and March this year.

However, PSG dominated in both of their draws, recording 24 shots in both matches, with 10 on target versus Nantes and 11 against Auxerre.

Luis Enrique believes that is a good metric by which to measure their displays, saying: "Statistically, it's my best season as a coach. 

"Even if you criticise, if there are lies invented, it's my best in terms of numbers, on the chances generated by us and the chances given away to the opponents.

"I've had seasons with great success. But I only see positive things here. No matter the negativity that there has been since the start of the season. 

"Little by little things are falling into place and I'm very happy with this season.

"There have been difficulties in the Champions League, but it is a process of growth which depends on the ability to overcome problems. The level of training is rising, the players are better every day... This is the best season of my career."

PSG are largely on track according to their underlying figures in Ligue 1, scoring 35 times from 37.47 expected goals (xG, excluding own goals) and conceding 11 from 11.83 expected goals against (xGA).

Bradley Barcola is one PSG player who has struggled in front of goal recently, going three league matches without scoring after netting 10 times in the first 11 games.

Luis Enrique believes Barcola is still contributing, adding: "Bradley has been decisive in every game. You judge him on assists or goals, but football is a much more complex sport.

"A player can be key without scoring or getting an assist. What is important is that the 11 players attack or defend together. That is the objective. Who wins the best player award, it is not important for us."

Sunday's opponents Lyon have won their last four matches across all competitions, including impressive victories over Qarabag and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, so Luis Enrique expects a difficult assignment.

"We know Lyon well. It's an opponent who is in very good form at the moment, well ranked both in Europe and in Ligue 1," the Spanish tactician added.

"They have real quality in their team so that generates a lot of motivation and desire to be up to the task.

"The danger presented by Lyon is that they are capable of keeping the ball. They have some very good individual players."