Pochettino: 'It takes time' | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted that the best is yet to come from his star-studded side - Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar starting in attack - were held to a 1-1 drew away to Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 clash.

All eyes were on Belgium as the superstar attacking trident was fielded for the very first time, but Club Brugge apparently hadn't read the script and gave Pochettino's side a real run for their money in a bruising encounter in Bruges on Wednesday night. Hard-fought

Although midfielder Ander Herrera put the visitors in front when he slammed home an Mbappé cut-back (15') - his third goal win two matches in all competitions following his brace in the 4-0 league win over Strasbourg at the weekend - Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken replied in kind soon after (27') and showed the capital club stars that they weren't going to have things all their own way. Nonetheless, Messi conjured a stunning left-footed curler that cannoned back of the top corner of the goal frame, but all in all - especially considering that Mbappé was forced off with an ankle complaint following a tough tackle (51') - it was not quite the evening Pochettino and his new-look XI would have been hoping for.

Poch: 'Find the right balance'

Still, the Argentinean coach remained circumspect. "It's good to have this squad together for the first time. Players need to play together and get to know each other. Of course, it takes time to find the right balance to be solid and win games," he said of Messi's first start and Neymar's first appearance of the 2021-22 season. "We're disappointed with the result and we need to improve the performances, but there is still time to improve. Right now, of course, we're all disappointed, but we need to stay calm and analyse things so that we can help the team improve." The result leaves Paris Saint-Germain in second place on Group A - on away goals, trailing Manchester City by two points after Pep Guardiola's side accounted for RB Leipzig with an ominous 6-3 win. Mendes: 'Keep working'

Meanwhile, Pochettino would have felt no disappointment at the debut performance of newly signed Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes, who came on for Abdou Diallo in the second half and looked absolutely razor-sharp and lightning-quick as he tore up the left flank. "I'm very happy to have made my debut in the Champions League and to play for Paris Saint-Germain," said the 19-year-old former Sporting CP full-back. "I'm obviously a bit disappointed with the result, but the work goes on. Champions League matches are all difficult. Club Brugge defended well and managed to hold on. We were a bit unlucky with our finishing, but we need to keep working."