Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool’s European campaign faces a critical test following their 2-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain in the first leg of this Champions League clash. The loss, which marked their 16th of the season, left fans in the French capital stranded after the match, as police delayed their exit to ensure the home supporters could leave safely. For those who traveled to Parc des Princes, the experience was one of frustration, witnessing a performance lacking in flair and ambition.
A tactical shift and a fragile mindset
Manager Arne Slot’s team opted for a defensive setup, prioritizing survival over attack. The strategy, however, exposed vulnerabilities, as PSG dominated possession with 74% of the ball and created 18 shots to Liverpool’s three. The Reds’ struggles were evident in their limited opportunities, with just nine touches in the box compared to PSG’s 39. Despite these challenges, Liverpool remains in the tie, hoping for a dramatic turnaround in the second leg.
“They were scared,” remarked a French observer at the match, describing Liverpool’s tactics as reminiscent of a smaller team facing the European champions. “It was like they were trying to avoid confrontation rather than seize control.”
Confidence in jeopardy
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, present at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, criticized Liverpool’s display: “Our champions against their champions. Our champions were nowhere near.” Stephen Warnock, a former Reds defender, echoed similar concerns, stating, “Confidence is at an all-time low” after the team failed to score in their last two matches and recorded only one goal in three games. He also noted the difficulty of mounting a comeback, citing past Anfield heroics as a distant memory.
Slot’s decision to rest Mohamed Salah, a key player, further fueled speculation about the team’s morale. Alexander Isak, the £125m British record signing, returned from injury in the 78th minute but had minimal impact, managing just three touches. Slot defended his approach, claiming the move was to preserve energy for future matches.
A season on the brink
Liverpool’s current form has raised alarms. Since their Champions League exit to PSG last season, they’ve won only 49.2% of their 59 games, with a loss rate more than tripling. This latest setback, coupled with four consecutive away defeats in all competitions since 2012, has put their survival in the competition under pressure. Yet, the Reds’ resilience has kept them in the race, relying on the hope of a revival at Anfield.
