Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was not disheartened by seeing his side relinquish top spot following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Nice in Ligue 1.

PSG were forced to come from behind to maintain their unbeaten start to 2024-25, with Nuno Mendes cancelling out Ali Abdi's opener early in the second half.

The French champions were unable to find a winner despite enjoying 71.1% of the possession and attempting 19 shots to Nice's eight. Nice's possession share of 28.8% was their lowest in Ligue 1 since December 2011 (28.7% versus Lille).

The result leaves PSG second in the table with 17 points, two adrift of Monaco.

It is the second season in a row that PSG have not led Ligue 1 after seven matchdays, having sat fifth at this stage last term. They topped the table after seven games in five of the previous six campaigns (second in 2020-21).

"We are at the beginning of the season. The start seems promising to me. I like what I see. I think it's a much better start than last season," Luis Enrique told a press conference on Sunday.

"Grades are given at the end of the season. When the season is over we'll see the grade... 

"The important thing is to win the league. The most important thing is to be in contention for all the titles."

The Spaniard did add, however, that simple errors had proven costly, saying: "There was a level of inaccuracy from most of the players that was not usual and a lot of very simple technical actions, easy passes, situations that we normally solve, a very high number of unusual mistakes.

He was, though, proud of his players' reaction to falling behind midway through the first half.

"I am especially proud after a bad first half. A really bad one. I'm proud of their spirit. They concentrated on the game, on trying to turn the game around," he said.

PSG face Strasbourg in their next league game on October 19, before taking on PSV in the Champions League three days later. 

Paris-Saint-Germain missed out on the chance to reclaim top spot in Ligue 1, with Nuno Mendes saving a point in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Nice on Sunday. 

Nice started brightly and caused havoc as PSG struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages. Ali Al-Abdi soon took advantage of their visitors' lacklustre start, opening the scoring six minutes before half-time with a powerful strike from a corner.

Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped in midweek for the Champions League, orchestrated their equaliser, picking out Mendes, whose deflected shot beat the keeper to hit the back of the net seven minutes after the break.

They almost had a second moments later, Marquinhos rising high to meet Lee Kang-in's cross, only to see his powerful header rebound off the post.

Nice held firm despite the late pressure from PSG as goalkeeper Marcin Bulka kept out good efforts by Vitinha and Dembele.

It leaves PSG two points behind leaders Monaco heading into the international break.

Data Debrief: PSG's total dominance does not come to fruition

It has been a fairly disappointing week for PSG, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, and failed to re-close the gap to Monaco at the top of the league by dropping points. 

They had 19 shots against Nice, with 14 of those coming in a dominant second half. Seven of those after the break were on target, while Gianluigi Donnarumma did not face a single effort at the other end. 

However, they only managed 0.97 expected goals (xG) - Mendes' goal came from a strike worth just 0.05 - and they could not find a late winner despite their best efforts.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique does not regret dropping Ousmane Dembele for disciplinary reasons for their midweek Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

Dembele has stepped up to lead PSG's attack this season after Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid, scoring seven goals and adding four assists in all competitions.

However, the France international was left out of Luis Enrique's squad for Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, where they only managed two shots on target in a flat attacking display.

It was reported that Dembele's omission was the result of a dispute with Luis Enrique, who stands by his decision to leave him out.

"When a player doesn't meet their obligations, this is the sort of thing that can happen. Everything is now in order," Luis Enrique said ahead of Sunday's trip to Nice.

"I'm tough when I have to be tough and more permissive when it is needed. That is one of my big skills as a coach and as a person... 

"Every player has a series of obligations to meet, so every player who does that is available.

"If they make a serious mistake, I will make the right decision, whether it is easy or difficult. I have no issue in doing that even if it seems difficult because we always think about what is best for the team."

Ligue 1 leaders PSG are unbeaten with 16 points, ahead of Monaco on goal difference.

"We're doing well. After analysing the game [against Arsenal], we've changed our mentality and we're back in league action, ready to compete. That is a good thing because if you lose, there is a game straight after," Luis Enrique said.

"We are imperfect, we will improve but I am certain that this team will fight in all competitions. If we replay this match against Arsenal, at home at the Parc des Princes, perhaps the result will not be the same."

Nice are ninth under new coach Franck Haise and Luis Enrique believes his side face a daunting task in breaking down a defence that has only been breached six times. 

"They have a well-known coach with a personality that he instils in his teams... They play at a high level, so it will be difficult. They press high up the pitch and are strong on the ball," he said.

"They defend well and it will certainly be tough. It has always been a difficult place to go but we are motivated to continue doing what we are doing to stay top of the table."

Luis Enrique explained he axed Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain's squad for the Champions League encounter at Arsenal for the good of the whole team.

French media reported the PSG head coach had a discussion with his star winger following PSG's 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday and has been omitted from the squad to face the Gunners due to disciplinary reasons.

Luis Enrique said there was no argument between himself and Dembele but explained why he took the decision he did.

"If someone doesn't comply with the requirements of the team, it means that they are not ready," Luis Enrique told a press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash at Emirates Stadium.

"It means in such an important week, with such an important game coming up, we need every player to be fully available.

"My objective is to do the best for the team and that was my decision."

Luis Enrique was pressed further on making such an important choice, leaving out a player who has scored four league goals in six games, for such a key European game.

"You think it is easy to create a team. You press a button and the 11 best players play and everything goes well," the manager said.

"No, making a team takes a certain amount of circumstances that can be difficult. Yesterday I had to make a difficult decision but I think it is the best decision without any doubt.

"I would make it 100 more times. That doesn't mean the situation is irreversible. But the best situation for the team right now is this, in my opinion."

The coach would not give further details on what happened with Dembele, but said that his job is to create a team and that is what he will continue to do.

"I am not going to make a soap opera out of it, there was no argument between the player and me. There was a problem with the player's responsibility to the team. Nothing else," he said.

"I signed for PSG last season to create a team. That is something I can guarantee. Until the last day that I am in Paris, I am going to make a team.

"A team that is brave, daring, plays good football or tries to. The first day I cannot do that I will go back home."

PSG won their opening Champions League game 1-0 against Girona while Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta. 

Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is the latest player to criticise the fixture schedule, saying he agrees with comments made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

City's Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Premier League clash against Arsenal earlier in September, warned of possible strike action as players face an expanded Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Timber missed most of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has played in all six of Arsenal's Premier League games this term, and is expected to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I totally agree with them," Timber told reporters when asked about Rodri's comments.

"It's a big topic in dressing rooms. I didn't play last season so I'm just enjoying playing now. I totally understand what they're saying.

"Definitely [players are more at risk]. I think it's honestly a dangerous thing. Even last week we played City and City played two days later. That's too much.

"I think it's a really good thing that the players are speaking out now. It doesn't look like it will be getting any less. We're trying to be there every game and give our best, but it gets harder and harder. Especially in England where there's no winter break."

Arsenal drew their opening Champions League group game away at Atalanta and face a PSG side that will be without forward Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped due to disciplinary issues.

But Mikel Arteta says PSG will nevertheless pose a huge threat.

"They are really tough. They dominate every phase of play. They have very clear intentions," Arteta said.

"When they don't have the ball they want it straight back and they confront you. That's Luis [Enrique].

"Anywhere he is, he plays the same context."

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique is relishing his side's Champions League tie with Arsenal next week after brushing aside Rennes on Friday. 

The Parisiens maintained their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season, with Bradley Barcola's brace and Lee Kang-In's header sealing the victory. 

PSG are now unbeaten in their first six matches of a league season for the third time in the last four campaigns (L1 in 2023-24), as many as in the previous six.

Luis Enrique's side have also scored at least three goals in five of their six Ligue 1 matches, two more than any other team in the top five European leagues. 

But the Parisiens' next assignment sees them travel to the Emirates next Tuesday to face Arsenal, having edged past Girona in their Champions League opener. 

The French side have played more games against the Gunners without winning (four) than against any other opponent in European competition. Still, Luis Enrique is confident his side can remain perfect in the competition. 

“It was a very complete match from the beginning, we had a lot of chances. We scored three goals, but we could have scored more," Luis Enrique told BeIN Sports.

"The Champions League? We are going to play against another favourite (in Arsenal), it will be a stimulating match, we will prepare ourselves.”

While Barcola's impressive display grabbed the headlines on Friday, Luis Enrique showered praise on striker Kang-In. 

The South Korean netted his third league goal of the season against Rennes, but the PSG head coach was also impressed with his defensive display. 

Kang-In created more chances (seven) than any other player for the hosts, while also winning seven duels, a total only bettered by Joao Neves (eight) for PSG. 

"He was in the right place to score the goal as a clever striker," Luis Enrique added.

"I really liked his performance, he gave us consistency, he held the ball up when we needed him to. 

"He is very intelligent with his pressing, he wins back a lot of balls and recovers well.

"I thought he was superb tonight, it’s a pleasure to have players with that level and mentality."

The Parisiens did, however, concede another goal in the league, with Arnaud Kalimuendo's late penalty proving to be a consolation for the visitors. 

PSG have managed just one clean sheet from their opening six Ligue 1 matches, but Luis Enrique insisted he was not concerned by his side's defending. 

"Football is not being fair to us," Luis Enrique concluded.

"Our opponents are creating very few chances against us, far fewer than last season, and they get there (to set pieces) and they score.

"They scored from a penalty today. We're not perfect and never will be."

Luis Enrique is not concerned by Paris Saint-Germain's recent form, insisting "it's part of the process of the team growing".

PSG made a flying start to the Ligue 1 season, winning each of their opening three matches while scoring 13 goals along the way.

Yet, since the international break, they were forced to come from behind in their 3-1 win over Lille, and it took a last-minute own-goal to see them past debutants Girona in their Champions League opener.

Luis Enrique's side then dropped their first points of the league campaign when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Reims last weekend, but the Spaniard is focusing on the positives from his players' recent displays. 

"I feel things differently," he told reporters when asked if there had been a decline in his side's performances. "Over the course of a season, there's an evolution; there are good moments and not so good moments, it's part of the logical process of the team growing.

"I find the opposite situation. I think the team has managed to solve the problems that the opponents have caused us."

PSG are top of Ligue 1 with 13 points - ahead of Marseille and Monaco on goal difference - ahead of welcoming Rennes to Parc des Princes on Friday.

"They're a team that plays at the top of the table, they caused us quite a few problems last season," Luis Enrique said of Julien Stephan's side, who held the reigning champions to a 1-1 draw in February. 

"They took points against us, and they'll vary their behaviour as the game goes on. They did it last season.

"There are no easy games, there will be problems, but I'm an optimistic person when it comes to games like this. We're playing at the Parc and that spurs us on, too.

"Rennes are used to high pressing, but I don't think they'll do that tomorrow because they're an adaptable team. My job is to cope and find solutions. It's very difficult to fight a low block."

Paris-Saint Germain coach Luis Enrique is cautious about crowning Ousmane Dembele as Kylian Mbappe's replacement, instead preferring to avoid heaping pressure on him.

Dembele's second-half strike maintained PSG's unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season as they drew 1-1 at Reims on Saturday, taking him to four goals for the campaign.

In just four matches, Dembele has already bettered his tally from 26 league games last term (three), while his six goal involvements (four goals, two assists) are a league-high figure.

Having lost Mbappe to Real Madrid on a free transfer ahead of the campaign, PSG need their remaining forwards to step up, but Luis Enrique says it cannot be up to Dembele alone.

"We're not looking for a goalscorer, because if you put the pressure on Dembele and then he doesn't score the goals you want him to score, we'll start with the problems," he said.

"What we want is for the team to win. Who scores? I don't care. Let someone who wears the PSG shirt score. 

"There is no pressure on one player only. The whole team has to keep improving."

PSG arrived in Reims on the back of a late victory over Girona in the Champions League, but struggled to find their rhythm with the likes of Marcos Asensio and Gianluigi Donnarumma out injured.

"We knew from the start that it was going to be a very difficult game. They played very well, they're physically very strong and they were good on the ball," the PSG boss said.

Next up, PSG host Rennes on Friday before facing Arsenal in a mammoth Champions League tie four days later – one of several tough fixtures the French champions were handed in last month's draw.

"We will change players depending on what we see in the games," Luis Enrique said of his plan for those games. 

"I have a lot of versatility in my squad to be able to use that and it's an option we have on a regular basis with different players."

Ousmane Dembele climbed off the bench to earn Paris Saint-Germain a 1-1 draw at Reims on Saturday.

The Ligue 1 champions ensured they maintained their unbeaten start to the season, though they had to settle for a point.

Reims took an early lead when Junya Ito's clever cross into the box found his Japanese compatriot Keito Nakamura, who superbly struck home after the ball bounced off PSG captain Marquinhos.

Luis Enrique's side were desperate to equalise and midfielder Lee Kang-in had the clearest chance after Randal Kolo Muani's incisive cross, but he could not get his effort past goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.

Yet Dembele proved decisive off the bench.

Having replaced Desire Doue in the 65th, Dembele latched on to Joao Neves's fierce cross to slot home from a tight angle and rescue a share of the spoils.

Data Debrief: PSG remain unbeatable on the road

It is now 27 Ligue 1 away games unbeaten for PSG, which is the longest such run in the competition's history.

They were not at their best this time out, though Luis Enrique will no doubt feel his team were at least worthy of a point, having seen them have 11 shots to Reims' eight, while mustering a higher xG (1.63 to 0.34).

Dembele, meanwhile, has already scored more goals in five Ligue 1 matches (four) this season than in 26 last season (three). He has been involved in six goals in the top flight this term (four goals, two assists), more than any other player.

Luis Enrique praised Ousmane Dembele for making positive strides at Paris Saint-Germain but backed him to become more ruthless in front of goal.

The 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided 17 assists in 47 matches for PSG since joining from Barcelona for a reported fee of around €50million in August last year.

Following Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid, Dembele has stepped up, scoring three goals and providing two assists in four Ligue 1 games so far.

With Reims next up, Luis Enrique is confident Dembele will continue to improve as the season continues.

"Ousmane is like last season, perhaps a little more effective in terms of finishing," he told reporters.

"But he's always been decisive for us, he has that ability to beat opponents in a unique way. Maybe he needs to work more on his efficiency.

"Last year's version of Dembele was very good and this year's is better and we're working on making it better still."

Despite losing Mbappe at the end of last season, Luis Enrique assured everyone that he was happy with the squad that he has.

"I think we'll have an even better team next year, even if I don't know which players we'll have," Luis Enrique said.

"It's a positive thought that I'm trying to pass on to the club. This year we have a better team than last year."

PSG will be without Marco Asensio for the game against Reims after the Spanish forward suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is also continuing to have treatment after picking up a muscle problem. Striker Goncalo Ramos and defenders Lucas Hernandez and Presnel Kimpembe are still out with injuries.

PSG have had little time to prepare to face Reims, who are sixth in the Ligue 1 standings, after their 1-0 win at home over Girona in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

"It's the shortest we can have with only two days between each game," Luis Enrique added. "The risk after the Champions League is there.

"We're playing away against a good team but we hope we can manage these circumstances."

Michel has urged his team to be proud of their Champions League debut, despite a heartbreaking late defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The visitors neutralised PSG's attack for much of the game, only for Paulo Gazzaniga, who had made a number of good saves, to let Nuno Mendes' tame delivery slip through his hands and into the back of the net.

The goalkeeper's own goal was the first in the 90th minute of a Champions League game since November 2022 (Porto's Ivan Marcano vs Atletico Madrid), while it was the first-ever such goal that proved to be the winner.

Despite the defeat, the Girona head coach praised his team's effort and the performance of his goalkeeper up until the goal.

"Now in the dressing room, people are a little bit down," Michel told reporters. "I told them that we have to be proud of the game we played.

"PSG subdued us, Gazzaniga made some good saves. There were two or three that could have been goals.

"We have to recognise that their victory is deserved but we are proud of the way we work.

"Let's see if we get another chance to come to Paris next year."

The Spaniard admitted his players were nervous in their first taste of Europe's elite club competition, but he was satisfied with their game as they faced a top-level team.

"At the start of the game, we were very nervous, you could see that. But as the first half went on, we found personality, commitment, attitude," he added.

"In the second half, we were tired. PSG pressed us more, we were continually defending a lot. We passed our first experience in the Champions League.

"We competed against a great team where the pressure can stiffen you and the team gave a good performance."

Girona face Feyenoord in their second league-phase fixture.

Luis Enrique compared Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League opener to childbirth as he admitted he did not enjoy watching their tense late win over Girona.

PSG secured victory after Girona's goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who had thwarted numerous efforts from the French champions, made a calamitous error in the final minutes.

Nuno Mendes' tame, low delivery into the box slipped through the goalkeeper's grasp and into the back of the net, snatching PSG all three points in a 1-0 win on Wednesday.

Though winning in fortuitous circumstances, PSG have now only lost one of their 37 home games in the group stage of the Champions League (W29 D7) since the start of the 2012-13 campaign, and Luis Enrique acknowledged the tough nature of this victory.

"I think we were superior, but Girona played us in circles and made us dizzy," Luis Enrique told Movistar Plus.

"At half-time, we said that if we didn't press, we were going to suffer. We had to win, and it was very difficult.

"It was very difficult. I told [Girona manager] Michel that this was worse than giving birth, with all due respect."

Under the new Champions League format, teams play eight matches against eight different opponents, with the top eight sides in the 36-team league automatically advancing to the last 16, and the next 16 playing a further knockout round.

Luis Enrique observed that the format creates uncertainty about the significance of results.

"Winning a match or any title is difficult, but we don't know the dimensions of this competition with this format," he added.

"We are going to have to play matches against teams that have easier schedules than ours. How many points are we going to need? There are many unknowns that need to be cleared up."

Despite the victory, PSG suffered a setback as striker Marco Asensio limped off just before half-time. However, Luis Enrique was confident in the strength of his squad.

"He felt a twinge. Marco had started the season well. This is professional football, and we have a very good squad."

PSG will next play Reims away in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Paris Saint-Germain sneaked to a 1-0 home victory over Champions League debutants Girona on Wednesday after Paulo Gazzaniga's costly late blunder.

Nuno Mendes' harmless low delivery across goal slipped through visiting goalkeeper Gazzaniga's grasp in the 90th minute to hand the hosts an opening victory at Parc des Princes.

Girona's defence effectively neutralised PSG's attack in the first half, causing mounting frustration for the hosts before Michel's side began to waste time, drawing boos from the Parc des Princes crowd.

Randal Kolo Muani and Achraf Hakimi had late chances, but both missed from close range before Gazzinga inexplicably allowed Mendes' tame cross to squirm through his hands.

Data Debrief: PSG's fortress continues unbroken

Though winning in fortuitous circumstances, PSG have now only lost one of their 37 home games in the group stage of the Champions League (W29 D7) since the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

Parc des Princes remains the Ligue 1 champions' fortress, with only one of the last 29 teams (D8 L20) travelling away to PSG for the first time in the competition winning (Manchester United, 3-1 in March 2019).

Luis Enrique has Gazzaniga to thank, however, with Girona's own goal the first in the 90th minute of a Champions League game since November 2022, since Porto's Ivan Marcano against Atletico Madrid.

It was the first ever 90th-minute own goal in the competition that proved to be the winner but, concerningly, PSG have now attempted 71 shot attempts since one of their own players scored in Europe.

Girona captain Cristhian Stuani deserves more than anyone to be in the team for the side's first-ever Champions League game on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Michel said.

Michel promised the 37-year-old striker that he would give him the captain's armband when they play in the Champions League after he grabbed an injury-time winner against Real Betis in March.

Girona, who had never qualified for Europe's top club competition in their 94-year history, finally secured a place in the Champions League by finishing third in the LaLiga standings last season.

"Stuani deserves to be in the starting eleven. He has been wearing this shirt for many years. He deserves it more than anyone," Sanchez told reporters on Tuesday.

"The reality is that last year we did things spectacularly. We have arrived at a place that we deserve. We are excited, motivated.

"It's a dream and you have to enjoy it. The growth of this club is demonstrated by moments like this. We have to give our version and enjoy ourselves."

Stuani will be aged 37 years and 342 days on the day of this game and would be the second-oldest outfield debutant in Champions League history, behind Anastasios Mitropoulos (40 years, 109 days) who made a brief substitute appearance for Olympiakos against Rosenborg in December 1997.

Uruguay international Stuani said it would be a dream come true to play in the competition with the club he joined in 2017.

"It is a pride and an honour to be part of all this. It's very special. Not only because of what it means for Girona to play in the Champions League," Stuani said.

"I'm lucky and it's a privilege to be able to enjoy a game like this. It's a dream day and I'm going to achieve it with the club of my life."

The last Spanish side to debut in the competition was Malaga back in the 2012-13 campaign, while each of the last three debuting Spanish sides have gone on to make the knockout stages (Villarreal in 2005-06, Sevilla in 2007-08 and Malaga in 2012-13).

However, only one of the last 28 teams travelling away to PSG for the first time in the Champions League have come away with a victory (D8 L19), with Manchester United winning 3-1 in March 2019.

Paris Saint-Germain may have a less experienced side than in previous years, but Luis Enrique believes they are primed for success.

PSG are embarking on their first Champions League without Kylian Mbappe in seven years, with the Frenchman scoring 48 goals in the competition for the club.

He also helped them to reach the final in 2020, only to lose out on the trophy to Bayern Munich. 

PSG host Champions League debutants Girona on Wednesday, boasting an impressive attack with the likes of Bradley Barcola, new signing Joao Neves, who already has four assists in four league games, and Ousmane Dembele.

No player made more passes breaking the opposition's defensive line than the Frenchman (21) in the Champions League last season. 

"I have always wanted my players to be motivated for every game. I can use each of the six forwards we have," Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.

"They are ready, and we're a versatile team, and it's great to have all those options because the season is going to be long.

"We need to create our own stars. We need to adapt, convince the players of the way to play. I'm very motivated, and I'm delighted to have the club's trust, and I'm trying to repay them by delivering results. We have a clear project that was set out last season."

PSG captain Marquinhos added: "We always have the target of going deep into the competition. I think my team-mates are the best in the world, even if there are no big names or stars, I am proud of my team."

Midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha have returned from injury, though goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been ruled out with a thigh injury and 25-year-old Russian Matvey Safonov could therefore be handed his first start.

Luis Enrique noted he was pleased with the squad, and it was too early to jump to conclusions about their lack of experience.

"I don't put any limits on my players. Experience is important, but I see many experienced players making the same mistakes. It's difficult to calculate the percentage of experience needed," he added.

"I think we are selfish as coaches. We always want the team to win. It will take a few months, and we will see how the team evolves and develops."

Luis Enrique heaped praise on Girona coach Michel, who led his team to a surprise third-place finish in LaLiga last season.

"I must acknowledge that no one expected to see them here. It is their first time, but I watched all their games last season, they play great football," he said.