LIVERPOOL, March 19 — Arne Slot said Liverpool delivered a strong statement to Paris Saint-Germain with their 4-0 demolition of Galatasaray yesterday, setting up a Champions League quarter-final clash with the defending champions.
LIVERPOOL, March 19 — Arne Slot said Liverpool delivered a strong statement to Paris Saint-Germain with their 4-0 demolition of Galatasaray yesterday, setting up a Champions League quarter-final clash with the defending champions.
PSG previously edged past Slot’s side on penalties en route to winning the competition for the first time in the last 16 last season.
Liverpool, who were leading the Premier League when the two sides last met, have faced a tougher second season under Slot. The Reds now sit fifth in the English top flight and had to overturn a first-leg 1-0 deficit from Istanbul.
However, once Dominik Szoboszlai equalised in the 25th minute at Anfield on Wednesday, Liverpool took control of the tie.
Second-half goals from Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory, although Salah also missed a penalty as Liverpool bounced back emphatically after being booed off following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with struggling Tottenham.
“They haven’t dropped their standards. It was hardly possible for them to improve, but they’ve been very impressive so far,” Slot said ahead of facing the French champions.
“But I think after tonight, they will not be looking forward to playing against us.”
Liverpool had won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes last season, despite being second best for much of the match. PSG then reversed the result with a 1-0 win at Anfield in the return leg, eventually progressing on penalties.
“We were completely outplayed away from home. Here at Anfield, we played a very good game but still lost on penalties,” Slot added.
His decision to rotate key players in the match against Spurs proved effective, with Salah returning to the starting XI and scoring his 50th Champions League goal despite earlier setbacks, including a missed penalty.
“It says a lot about his mentality. Missing the penalty just before half-time was a tough moment, especially as we were 1-0 up at that stage against the run of play,” Slot said.
“To come out in the second half and perform like that, providing a great assist for Hugo and scoring a trademark goal, was outstanding.” — AFP
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