Paris Saint-Germain will have to do without the suspended Kylian Mbappé against Nice, but Mauricio Pochettino knows his side shouldn’t depend on the individual performances of one of the best players in the world.
PSG have a 15-point lead over Ligue 1 ahead of a clash with third-placed Nice on Saturday, but will be without Mbappé in their ranks.
The French international returns for the return of the Champions League round of 16 with Real Madrid, with whom he was closely linked to the expiration of the contract at the end of the season.
Mbappe has dominated PSG this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in Ligue 1, creating 47 chances to take the lead.
No other PSG player has scored more than five goals (Danilo Pereira) and only Lionel Messi has provided as many assists, but Pochettino has insisted that his team can no longer rely on people to create winning moments.
“We’re talking about one of the best players in the world,” Pochettino said of Mbappe’s absence at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“The psychological aspect is important for teammates and opponents. But we know that it can happen during a season. The most important thing is that the team believes in collective strength.”
“We have to develop the idea that the squad is not strong for individual performances, but for collective strength, something that we have to cultivate despite the lack of players.”
PSG’s best league form has been examined this season, with 25 points away, compared to 37 at home.
But Pochettino has ensured that his side’s challenges are normal as they prepare for a trip to the French Cup finalist Nice, who have won only one of their last 17 top-flight games against PSG.
“It can happen during a season. It happens to all the big clubs, and not just Paris, to play less well outdoors,” he added.
“There is no determining factor. We try to play the same way every game, at home or away.
“We analyze the way we play, we try to dominate, if there is pressure or a difficult environment compared to the opponent.
“We must also recognize the contribution of our fans, who create atmosphere and energy, which not only has an impact on our players, but also negatively affects the opponent.”
Pochettino, whose side have only lost one of their last 17 league games, sees his side take a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid on Tuesday, but his goal remains one game at a time.
“We have to concentrate on the match against Nice and find the right tactic to win,” he continued.
“For the return match in Madrid there will be no players. As for us, after Saturday’s match we will see which players are available. We will see which team can play against Real after Nice.”
“We have to be competitive and focus on Saturday’s match, out of respect for the league and Nice. The best way to prepare for the great Champions League matches is to always be focused.”