Paris Saint-Germain's title defense Germain in Ligue 1 is proving to be a challenge, with the players losing one of their first two Champions League games, but manager Luis Enrique is pleased with his side's form at the start of the season, Topsport reported.
The French giants are unbeaten in the Championship, but draws in two of seven games saw Monaco move two points clear at the top of the table, while Luis Enrique's side lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the Champions League.
The manager, who is not commenting on media reports that he has extended his contract with the club pending official confirmation from the club, remains upbeat as his side prepare for Saturday's home game with Strasbourg.
"The start of the season was generally very positive, even more positive than I imagined. The whole season is not a linear process, there are better moments and less good moments. "We would like to win every game, but that is not possible in football," Enrique said at a press conference.
The Strasbourg game comes after the national team break which saw many of PSG's players on the field and the manager accepts that will be a factor in the game.
"We have to consider the time with the national teams, the travel and the fatigue. So of course that will have an effect on the team on the field tomorrow. We have to win, but it won't be easy. It's never easy to come back after the international break," he added.
The international break can also have its positive side. One player who has struggled at PSG this season but has shone for his country is striker Randall Colo Mouani, who scored both goals in France's 2-1 win over Belgium on Monday.
"It's certainly good news for me as a coach, to see our national team getting good results, putting in strong performances, scoring goals, defending well. The better they play for their national teams, the better for me," Luis Enrique said.
Strasbourg are seventh in the table, seven points behind PSG, but have lost just once this season and Luis Enrique expects a tough game.
"They score goals, they press high, they are dangerous, they are not worried about one-on-one situations. It will certainly be very difficult, very contested and I think both teams will have chances," concluded the manager.