Liverpool must deliver their best performance of the season if they are to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, according to head coach Arne Slot. The Dutchman acknowledged the difficulty of facing the French champions in the last 16, admitting he would have preferred a tie against Benfica but recognizing the challenge as an opportunity for his players to prove themselves.
PSG come into the game in outstanding form, having won their last 10 matches across all competitions and scored 40 goals in the process. Liverpool, despite topping their group, now face one of Europe’s most dangerous sides. Slot believes his team must rise to the occasion as they continue their pursuit of multiple trophies in his first season in charge.
“We would have preferred to play against Benfica instead of PSG,” Slot said ahead of the first leg in Paris. “But this is also a great fixture to play and it’s a great stadium to play in. If you are playing for Liverpool, you want to play big games. We are facing a very strong opponent, but they are as well.”
The Liverpool coach emphasized the need for a complete performance to handle PSG’s aggressive style and attacking power. “We will have to show up in every part of the game and give the best possible performance of the season. It is not easy to press PSG because they go man-for-man all over the pitch,” he said. “They have been very aggressive in their last 10-15 games. We have to be the best possible version of ourselves. PSG are one of the best teams in Europe, with so much attacking threat and so much rotation. It will be an interesting game.”
Liverpool’s impressive form has placed them 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League and in the final of the Carabao Cup. However, Slot believes true European dominance can only be claimed by winning the Champions League.
“It’s a nice compliment to get, but the best team in Europe has to win the Champions League, and we are far away from that,” he said. “I think the best team in Europe is still Real Madrid because they won this competition last season. For us, we have to win it before you can say this.”
On the other side, PSG manager Luis Enrique is well aware of Liverpool’s strengths, particularly their devastating counterattacks. He believes his side must dominate possession to minimize the damage caused by Liverpool’s rapid transitions.
“Liverpool has one of the best counterattacks in Europe, so we will try to keep the ball and be careful not to suffer too much from transitions,” Enrique said. “They have three fighter jets in attack, and it’s not easy to stop these fighter jets. Arne Slot has done a great job. He has created a near-perfect team, which knows how to defend, knows how to press, and which can attack either by holding the ball or accelerating.”
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes could also play a significant role in the match, with Enrique highlighting the home advantage as a factor. “It is hard for our opponents to play at the Parc des Princes with the pressure and the atmosphere at the stadium. If we can play as we have been, it will be very tough for our opponents,” he said.
As the two sides prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, both managers are aware of the stakes. Liverpool will need to be at their very best to advance, while PSG will look to capitalize on their recent form and home advantage.
