Manager praises “better team” PSG but expects “a different game” at Anfield
Arne Slot said Liverpool remain hopeful of overturning their Champions League quarterfinal deficit despite a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.
Goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG a strong advantage, with the hosts creating several more chances that could have extended the margin.
Slot’s decision to deploy a 3-4-3 system and leave out Mohamed Salah failed to contain PSG’s attacking threat and the French side dominated large periods of the game.
“If you reflect on the whole game I think we are lucky with only losing 2-0,” Slot said. “I think it was very good for us we are still in the tie, we can bring them to Anfield and we know how good Anfield can be for us.
“But of course you think you can do better. We were in survival mode for large parts of the game but maybe also the period of the season we are in, we are in survival mode.”
Slot highlighted PSG’s pace across the pitch as a major factor in the result, singling out their full-backs for particular praise.
“They have pace from everywhere all over the pitch, wherever you look you see incredible pace,” said Slot.
“[Achraf] Hakimi and [Nuno] Mendes are an unbelievable attacking threat. They don’t even sprint, it is a level above sprinting and you have to cope with that.
“Usually players like Jeremie [Frimpong] and Milos [Kerkez] are better equipped to cope than out-and-out wingers, but the moments we tried to press them, we are ripped apart.
“Every tactic has been tried over here, but the result is always the same, with Paris Saint-Germain blowing the opponent away.”
Despite the setback, Slot insisted the tie is still within reach heading into the second leg at Anfield.
“They were the better team. We didn’t give up and that is why we still have a chance. They kept us alive by not scoring a few open chances.”
Liverpool will now rely on their home support to help turn the tie around.
“We will hopefully show a different game at Anfield,” Slot said. “If you want to press really aggressive, then fans can be really helpful, the atmosphere really loud.
“It is clear and obvious we will not play the same tactic as we played tonight, but football has shown so many times that anything is impossible
“In football, there are red cards, penalties and don’t forget that Anfield can do a lot.
“Our fans do make a big difference for us, but that is also needed because it was completely clear today we need our fans more than ever.”
