Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has issued a bold statement of intent ahead of the team’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, March 11. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Georgian international remains optimistic about PSG’s chances of overturning the deficit and advancing to the quarterfinals, emphasizing the team’s quality and determination.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Kvaratskhelia reflected on PSG’s performance in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, where despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, they fell to a late Harvey Elliott goal. “We had so many opportunities to score in the first game and were the better team,” Kvaratskhelia said. “It was disappointing to lose, but we have to prepare ourselves properly for the second game. I think it’s 50-50. Dominating against Liverpool isn’t easy, but we did it. We showed beautiful football, and we need to stay focused on our game to show them we’re here to win.”
Kvaratskhelia’s confidence stems from PSG’s impressive display in Paris, where they outshot Liverpool 27-4, only to be thwarted by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who made a record-breaking nine saves. The 24-year-old, who joined PSG from Napoli in a €70 million transfer in January, had a goal disallowed for offside in the first leg—a moment that still stings. “I was sad that my goal was disallowed,” he admitted. “But that’s football. I have to keep working hard, and the results will come for me and the team.”
Looking ahead to the daunting atmosphere of Anfield, Kvaratskhelia acknowledged the challenge but remained undeterred. “It will not be easy against Liverpool at Anfield,” he said. “It’s a great stadium with great fans, but our objective is to dominate like we did in Paris and play with the same quality. We want to show we can beat anyone.” His words echo the sentiment of PSG manager Luis Enrique, who has also expressed belief in his squad’s ability to replicate their first-leg performance and secure a positive result in England.
Since arriving in Paris, Kvaratskhelia has quickly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s attack, contributing two goals and three assists in 11 matches. His pace, dribbling, and creativity were on full display against Liverpool in the first leg, where he consistently troubled the Reds’ defense, particularly right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite the loss, his performance earned praise from fans and analysts alike, with many noting that only Alisson’s heroics prevented him from making the difference.
PSG’s preparations for the second leg have been marked by a sense of focus and optimism. Reports suggest Enrique may rest key players, including Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Marquinhos, for their Ligue 1 match against Rennes on Sunday to ensure they are fresh for the trip to Merseyside. With a commanding 16-point lead in the French league, the Parisians’ priority is clear: the Champions League, a trophy that has eluded them despite their domestic dominance.
For Liverpool, the first-leg victory provides a slender advantage, but manager Arne Slot will be wary of PSG’s attacking firepower. The trio of Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola poses a significant threat, and Slot has called for a marked improvement from his side after they were outplayed for large stretches in Paris. The Reds will lean on their formidable home record at Anfield, where they have lost just once this season, to see them through.
As the football world turns its attention to this blockbuster encounter, Kvaratskhelia’s comments have set the stage for a thrilling battle. “We showed them we are a better team,” he reiterated. “Now we have to go there and prove it again.” Whether PSG can turn their confidence into a result remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Georgian star and his teammates are ready to give everything in their quest for Champions League glory.