Liverpool boss Arne Slot has described Paris Saint-Germain’s visit as the second of “three finals” in a week but has warned that much more is required from the Premier League leaders to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Reds escaped the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 lead last week, despite being dominated by the French champions, who were thwarted by an inspired performance from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian number one described his nine-save display as the “performance of his life.”
Liverpool have never lost a European tie at Anfield after winning the first leg away. However, Slot is taking nothing for granted after PSG’s strong performance.
Luis Enrique remains confident that his side “are going to do it” despite suffering their first defeat in 23 games.
Slot’s concerns were further heightened by his team’s sluggish first-half display against bottom-placed Southampton in Saturday’s 3-1 win. The Dutchman was forced to make three half-time substitutions after the Saints, who have collected just nine points from 28 games this season, took a surprise lead.
Darwin Núñez and two Mohamed Salah penalties turned the game around, extending Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 15 points.
With the League Cup final against Newcastle approaching on Sunday, Slot remains on course for a treble in his first season in charge.
“The first of three finals,” he said of the Southampton win. “I do hope we play a bit better in the next two finals than we did in the first one.
“The only good thing in the first 45 minutes was that they saved their energy (for PSG) and didn’t run at all. It was maybe the first time this season I’ve seen that tempo.
“When I look at the PSG game, we need to step up in intensity. But if I compare it with today’s (Saturday’s) game, we need to go three, four, five, six, or even seven steps up if we want any chance of reaching the next round.”
‘Going for us’
Salah admitted he had rarely seen his manager so furious as he was during the half-time tirade that sparked Liverpool’s comeback against Southampton.
“The manager was really going for us,” said the Egyptian. “That’s something you need sometimes.”
Slot has had little reason to lose his cool in his first nine months as Jürgen Klopp’s successor. However, he has shown his ruthless side when necessary, keeping Liverpool on course for just the fourth treble in
English football history, which could include the league title and Champions League.
Harvey Elliott scored the late winner in Paris with his first touch after replacing Salah, who had an uncharacteristically quiet night.
Núñez’s work rate was questioned by his manager after lackluster performances against Wolves and Aston Villa last month when he missed a golden chance to secure victory.
However, the Uruguayan has since redeemed himself, providing the assist for Elliott at the Parc des Princes before sparking Liverpool’s comeback against Southampton with his first goal in 11 matches.
Many believed Núñez would be among those sacrificed in Slot’s triple half-time change, but he justified his manager’s patience.
“I always hate the idea of taking off a player who can score goals when we need them,” added Slot.
“That’s the life of a number nine – you go from missing a chance to scoring an important goal.”
After enduring a difficult night in Paris, Slot is determined that Liverpool do not repeat their mistakes in their pursuit of a seventh European Cup.
AFP
