Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke to TNT Sports after Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16 second leg. Following their qualification for the quarter-finals (4-1 on aggregate), he was asked to look ahead to the matches against Paris Saint-Germain (April 8 and 14) and the positives to take away from this double-header.
Slot: “They won’t be happy to play against us.”
“Last season, we were completely outplayed away from home and lost on penalties. They haven’t dropped in quality, but after tonight, they won’t be happy to play against us.”
“I liked our play and our pressing. The only downside is that throughout the season, we’ve had so many chances without scoring. That’s all. The positive is that we had some good halves, then periods of ten minutes where we generally let the opposition try their luck.” But today, we conceded nothing; I don’t think they had a single chance. We kept creating opportunities.”
“It’s satisfying not to concede a goal. We don’t concede many chances, but we do concede goals. But tonight, we didn’t even concede a single chance.”
The Reds’ coach couldn’t express any concern before facing PSG; ambition is essential at a club like Liverpool, and fear gets you nowhere. He doesn’t forget, however, that Paris remains a very strong team. He has often praised them for over a year (since the 2024-2025 league phase) and emphasizes here that their level hasn’t “dropped.” However, the Dutchman also highlights his team’s strengths.
Which are considerable. PSG will need two top-level performances to qualify. We can’t forget that nothing about last season’s round of 16 was easy, ultimately going to penalties. Paris dominated the first leg, but lacked clinical finishing. The return leg was much tougher, but they had a bit of luck on their side.
Liverpool have been more inconsistent this season, but they showed yesterday that they still have what it takes to compete at the very highest level. Even if Galatasaray, especially away from home, doesn’t possess the same strengths or consistency as the Parisian club. The Reds are undoubtedly well aware of this.
