Paris Saint-Germain coach Antoine Kombouaré looks back at his side's admirable display in the narrow loss to Bordeaux last weekend and ahead to the Week 17 clash at home to Saint-Etienne...

Coach, are you disappointed by the defeat against Bordeaux that ended your run of two wins in a row?
“More than disappointed! It’s left a bitter taste because we did everything possible to come away from there with a share of the spoils. I thought we played well. We just didn’t get the goal. But now we need to get back to work and back top winning, I hope, next Sunday against Saint-Etienne.”

Has the team kept its confidence up after the performance against Bordeaux?
“From where I stand, the performance rides on the result. We certainly hope that this defeat gives us a certain confidence in the way we play, as a team. But we can talk all we like. We need to win matches and get some points. On Sunday, I won’t be satisfied unless we get the three points.”

Is the injury to Mevlut Erding another fresh blow for the squad?
“It’s annoying and infuriating because he hurt himself throwing himself at the ball at the front post. But it’s not too serious. We’ll keep an eye on him and hopefully he’ll be back as quickly as possible.”

We you happy with the performance of Jean-Eudes Maurice, who replaced Erding against Bordeaux?
“When certain players are missing, that gives others the chance to show what they can do. That’s the case for our youngsters, Jean-Eudes in this case. After the game, he said it best himself. We’re happy because we played well, but you have to put the ball in the back of the net at this level. He didn’t do that, despite some good chances. He needs to build on this type of performance to keep improving. At the very top, you don’t have much time. We need to score goals and get points for the team.”

How are you approaching the return to the Parc des Princes against Saint-Etienne after back to back games on the road?
“With a lot of energy and desire to do well. It’s not easy during this period just before the Christmas parties and all that. Perhaps some are already thinking about their holidays, about presents... but we have work to do.”