Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the media on Monday evening at Anfield, setting the stage for a pivotal Champions League last-16 second-leg showdown against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at 8:00 PM GMT. With Liverpool holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Slot emphasized the monumental challenge ahead, urging his squad to deliver what he believes must be their finest performance of the season to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Slot acknowledged the formidable opposition PSG presents, describing them as “the most complete team we’ve faced so far.” He highlighted their blend of quality, intensity, and tactical evolution under manager Luis Enrique, noting, “They press all over the pitch now, so they have changed. I think they played tremendously well in the first leg. I don’t think we’ve faced a team this season that combines that much quality with that much intensity.” Slot’s comments reflect the respect he holds for a PSG side that has won their last 10 games across all competitions, scoring 40 goals in that span.
The first leg, played on March 5 at Parc des Princes, saw Liverpool snatch an unlikely 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from substitute Harvey Elliott, assisted by Darwin Nunez, and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who made nine saves to keep PSG at bay. Slot admitted his team was outplayed for large stretches but praised their resilience, stating, “We can do better. I’m not saying we played poorly, but we are a better team than we showed last week. We need to prove that tomorrow with the help of our fans.”
Slot also provided a positive injury update, confirming that striker Cody Gakpo, who trained for the first time on Monday, “will be fit to be in the squad.” This boost could prove vital as Liverpool look to capitalize on their home advantage at Anfield. However, the Dutch manager was quick to temper expectations of dominance, suggesting that possession might be hard to come by against PSG’s aggressive style. “It’s hard to have a lot of possession against PSG. We have to adapt,” he said, referencing their earlier struggles against the French side’s relentless pressing.
The press conference took a sharp turn when Slot addressed PSG boss Luis Enrique’s recent claim that his team has “nothing to lose” in the second leg. Slot countered, “They have a game of football to lose. I do think they were surprised by our level last week, but I don’t think anyone needs more motivation.” He dismissed the notion that Enrique’s comments would provide extra fuel for his players, adding, “We do as well [have something to lose]. PSG have been at this stage of the tournament for many years—last season they reached the semi-finals, while we weren’t even in this competition.”
Slot’s focus on intensity was a recurring theme, underscored by his reflections on Liverpool’s recent 3-1 comeback win over Southampton in the Premier League on March 8. He warned his players they’d need “seven times more intensity” than they showed in the first half of that match to overcome PSG. “The intensity PSG put against us, I’ve never seen it in any of our games this season. We have to go up a notch to qualify,” he stressed.
As Liverpool prepare to face a PSG side buoyed by their attacking “fighter jets”—as Enrique once dubbed Liverpool’s own forwards—Slot called on the Anfield faithful to play their part. “I hope our fans will be loudest tomorrow,” he said, echoing his earlier plea to treat every match like a final. With the tie finely poised, Tuesday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in Liverpool’s season under Slot’s stewardship.
The press conference, attended by Slot and forward Diogo Jota, was streamed live from Anfield at 5:15 PM GMT, offering fans a glimpse into the mindset of a team chasing glory on multiple fronts. As the Reds sit 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and prepare for a Carabao Cup final later this month, Slot’s measured yet resolute tone signals his intent to keep Liverpool’s European dreams alive against one of the continent’s elite.