Appearing on RMC Sport Wednesday evening, columnist Daniel Riolo shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League quarter-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool (April 8 and 14). He gave a clear favorite, with PSG having only Bayern Munich as a rival on the pitch.
Riolo: “I don’t see how.”
“I don’t even see how this Liverpool team can trouble PSG. I just don’t see how. Technically, there’s no comparison, tactically it’s the same. I just don’t see how.
To say it’s possible to see Liverpool qualify? Of course! Football always throws up surprises; you can get a red card, an injury. But I think PSG is better than last year and Liverpool is weaker. I think they have a much higher level of confidence than last year, and I think that’s what makes the difference.
Riolo: “The only team we can put up against them is Bayern.”
Last year, when PSG didn’t really know what they were capable of, they suffered in the second leg at Anfield. They knew how to suffer, and they won the match. This year, not only have they learned to suffer, they know how to dominate, they have the mental strength, they know how to bounce back even when they’re dominated. They have a perfectly oiled team game and “Probably the best of all the remaining teams, along with Bayern. Bayern is the only team you can compare them to, that’s all. The rest aren’t as well-oiled.”
As always, Riolo goes to extremes, and any possible “analysis” gets lost in exaggeration. PSG seems to be the favorite against a Liverpool side still searching for consistency and certainty this season. Paris has gone through some turbulence, understandable without a proper preseason, and has managed to bounce back. There’s a sense of improvement, and we know they have a superb group of players who have nothing to fear.
However, nothing is guaranteed, no team is perfect, and Liverpool has its strengths. The Reds were admired last season, and they still have some solid foundations, including some truly great players and a strong team spirit. It won’t be easy for Paris; Liverpool is a real challenge. Even if the Parisians have the tools to go even further.
Bayern Munich would then be a possible opponent, but they must first eliminate a Real Madrid side that is always formidable in the Champions League. Real Madrid has already reminded everyone that a well-oiled machine isn’t everything. There are many ingredients for those big Champions League nights. Nevertheless, it’s clear that another clash between PSG and Bayern Munich (after their group stage encounter) would certainly be thrilling. They are admirable teams, something Riolo didn’t say about PSG not long ago. And we’re wary of seeing Paris already in the semi-finals, as he did, even if we believe they can.
