Arne Slot has expressed that Liverpool’s challenge against Paris Saint-Germain is not insurmountable, but they must deliver an exceptional performance to defeat the reigning European champions in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Following a 2-0 defeat at Parc des Princes last week, Liverpool will need to stage another remarkable comeback at Anfield on Tuesday to keep their aspirations for silverware alive. PSG showcased a dominant performance in the first leg, and their manager, Luis Enrique, cautioned against complacency, labeling such assumptions as “a trap” and highlighting potential challenges for his team at Anfield.
During the pre-match press conference on Monday, both Slot and Dominik Szoboszlai radiated confidence. The Liverpool manager emphasized that instilling belief in his players for this crucial match would not be a challenge.
“First and foremost, I would remind the players of the score,” Slot stated. “It was 2-0. Although it felt different during the match, the final score was indeed 2-0. We have demonstrated throughout the season, especially in significant matches, that we can put forth outstanding performances. I acknowledge we have shown a different side at times, but for those who have been with me over the last year and a half, we have scored two goals or more in 36 of our 49 home games.” (This statistic stands at 36 in 50 matches since a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September 2024.)
“While it’s true we aren’t playing PSG in all 49 home games, we have faced formidable opponents in both the Champions League and Premier League. There is a conviction that we can achieve something special tomorrow, but we need to be exceptionally good to succeed, especially against the champions of Europe. This complicates our task, but it is not beyond our reach.”
When asked about the source of his confidence, especially considering Liverpool’s struggles this season and their recent form of three wins in nine matches, Slot remarked that he could provide numerous examples of his team performing at a level necessary to contend with PSG.
“In the first 35 minutes at the Etihad against Manchester City in the FA Cup, did anyone expect us to be 4-0 down just 20 minutes later? Did you anticipate that after a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray, we would then go on to win 4-0, potentially scoring eight or nine at home? The instances where we have demonstrated we can outperform our first leg against PSG are numerous. Even in our recent match against Fulham, we saw how a single goal can shift the momentum.”
“We need to strike the perfect balance, but in order to be offensive, we must first control the ball and execute many aspects well before our attackers can capitalize. Historically, this club has had many players who excelled offensively while also putting in tremendous defensive efforts. Both teams prefer to maintain possession, and in our last encounter, PSG had the ball 70% of the time, which is something we need to change.”
Szoboszlai added that Liverpool must adopt an all-out approach from the first minute until the final whistle to eliminate a PSG side that had a weekend off to prepare for the second leg. “I have complete faith,” Szoboszlai affirmed. “I believe I speak for all the players—I want this victory desperately, and in a one-off match, anything can occur at Anfield.”
The Liverpool midfielder also offered a sort of apology regarding his gestures toward fans after the Cup defeat to Manchester City. Szoboszlai clarified, “Perhaps there was a misunderstanding between me and the fans. My intentions were not negative. I understand the significance of the fans to this club and what this club represents for them.”
“If it was indeed a misunderstanding, then I apologize. However, I want the fans to know that I share their feelings—I am not above them; I feel exactly what they feel. To be clear, I stand with them, and we hope to have their support as well.”
PSG forward Bradley Barcola has been included in the traveling squad after missing the first leg due to an ankle ligament injury. Luis Enrique, who guided PSG to their inaugural Champions League title last season by defeating Liverpool on penalties at Anfield in the round of 16, warned his players that the quarter-final tie is far from settled.
“There are potential pitfalls, and it could be a trap to think we won easily last week,” Enrique noted. “While that may be accurate, football matches can change swiftly, so we must be vigilant about the details. If we concede a goal, the match becomes very open. We want to prevent Liverpool from harnessing the energy from their fans and the atmosphere they create, but that also serves as motivation for us.”
