Thomas Tuchel was eager to pay tribute to his players after Paris St Germain beat Nantes 1-0 at the Parc des Princes and went 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
In a contest that saw the unbeaten champions – without Neymar due to his groin issue – have numerous chances, Kylian Mbappe netted a 68th-minute winner, converting from close range for his 13th league goal of the season.
The large gap between PSG and second-placed Lille grew by three points with Les Dogues, who have played two games more than the leaders, having been beaten 2-1 at home by Toulouse on Saturday.
PSG boss Tuchel was quoted by L’Equipe as saying after the game: “We had 70 per cent possession, we had 23 shots. It’s amazing. We played with a lot of quality.
Kylian Mbappe
“We do very aggressive counter-pressing. We just lacked precision in the last touch, in the last pass.
“In my opinion, this is a match that we could win with four goals. We controlled the match.
“We deserved to win. We are tired, but that’s normal. The team has been amazing today. I compliment my players.”
Following Tuchel’s appointment at PSG over the summer, the German has overseen 15 victories in 17 league matches – they had drawn each of their last two top-flight games prior to this one – and guided the club to the Champions League last 16 as winners of Group C.
Asked for his assessment of the past few months, Tuchel said: “When you look at the results, it’s almost perfect.
“I am very, very happy. You can see the progress of the team, you can feel the energy of the team. Everyone was very open to new ideas. It’s been fun.”
Nantes boss Vahid Halilhodzic, whose side have dropped a place to 14th, was quoted on the club’s official website as saying: “We can have some regrets. The players made a good game.
“We were well organised and we did some interesting things, especially defensively.
“PSG is another dimension, perhaps the best team in the world.
“On the occasions we had, we did not have success. We were a little timid. It would have taken a little more determination, rigour and malice, surely. It’s these little details that make the difference.”