“I thought we were very professional, but perhaps not brilliant,” Pochettino said following the Nice triumph, only secured thanks to a late Moise Kean goal after Julian Draxler’s opener had been cancelled out by a Rony Lopes strike for the visitors at the Parc des Princes.

“In the current circumstances it is very difficult to play brilliantly. Putting all the ingredients on the table, I was happy with the attitude and the commitment of the players. The circumstances mean that in every game just now we are obliged to find ways to achieve our objectives, which are to win, win and win.”

PSG took advantage of the fact LOSC do not play until Sunday to go provisionally top on goal difference. They were also aided by a slip-up by Olympique Lyonnais, who remain two points off the pace after a shock home loss to Montpellier Hérault SC.

Hope for Verratti?

The reigning champions were missing both Neymar Jr. and Angel di Maria, two key players who will be sidelined for the Champions League last 16, first leg in Barcelona on Tuesday. Marco Verratti also watched the Nice game from the stands at the Parc des Princes as he struggles with a knock picked up in last week’s win away to Olympique de Marseille.

“Marco trained today. He is still feeling some discomfort from the knock he took against Marseille. Let’s wait and see but we hope he will be able to play on Tuesday,” Pochettino said.

“We have to be ready because on Tuesday we have a very important game, and we will be ready for it.”

Pochettino has now enjoyed eight wins as well as one draw and one defeat from 10 matches in just 40 days since being appointed at the turn of the new year, and the Argentine admitted putting his stamp on the Parisians has not been easy.

“We want the team to have the confidence to play in different systems, but it’s not easy to get a lot of work done in just 40 days. Between now and Tuesday there won’t be much time for tactical work, so the focus will be on physical and mental recuperation."

>> REPORT: PSG edge Nice, OL slip up