Mauricio Pochettino’s first match as Paris Saint-Germain coach ended in a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday as his new team slipped three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon.
The defending league champions fell behind early on to Romain Hamouma’s strike before Moise Kean levelled soon after, but laboured in the second half and failed to find a winner.
The former Tottenham boss was only confirmed as Thomas Tuchel’s successor on Saturday, four days after the German’s sacking was officially announced.
But the scale of the task facing the former PSG defender was laid out in front of him at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the capital-city giants’ title defence suffered another blow.
Lyon survived a late Lens comeback to extend their lead with a 3-2 win, with Memphis Depay’s double proving crucial.
PSG did move into second, above Lille on goal difference, after Christophe Galtier’s team slipped to a surprise 2-1 home loss to Angers.
Marseille boosted their title hopes, though, as Dimitri Payet’s 80th-minute strike helped secure a 3-1 home success against Montpellier.
Andre-Villas Boas’ men are fifth, but only eight points behind Lyon with two games in hand.