PSG’s winning streak in Ligue 1 came to a halt on Sunday, as they succumbed to 2-0 defeat against Rennes.
Les Parisiens were coming off an impressive win against Manchester City in the Champions League in which Lionel Messi scored a stunning goal.
However, they failed to build on that as they were humbled by Bruno Genesio’s Rennes.
The surprising fact is that PSG failed to muster a shot on target despite the presence of Messi, Neymar, Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe in the starting eleven.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was left disappointed with the result, offered his thoughts on the game (h/t Metro): “Without underestimating what Rennes has done, we are frustrated and disappointed not to have taken our chances and to concede these goals. These situations leave us bitter and disappointed.
“We didn’t start the game well, but then we had 25-30 minutes of good quality. It was a shame not to score.
“We took two psychological hits, just before half-time and just after. The match afterwards was open, even if we created a chance. We had a hard time after that. Rennes obviously gained confidence. And with us, there was frustration.”
The Argentine also explained Neymar’s substitution, stating that the Brazilian superstar was taken off for tactical reasons.
When asked if Neymar was having fitness issues, Pochettino replied: “No, that’s not it.
“We had five days [since the match against Manchester City]. I repeat, we had 25-30 minutes of very good quality. We had control of the game.
“We conceded the goal on top. When we start the second half, we are immediately 2-0 down. It’s a different game afterwards.”
Despite the defeat, PSG remains at the top of the Ligue 1 table with 24 points, six points clear of Lens.
