Liverpool boss Arne Slot laments missed chances in Champions League exit

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his side’s Champions League exit again laid bare a season-long struggle to turn chances into goals, after they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain following a 2-0 home defeat on April 14 that sealed a 4-0 aggregate loss.

Despite enjoying equal possession and having 21 attempts to PSG’s 12, as well as eight corners to the visitors’ two, it was PSG who found the net as Ousmane Dembele struck twice in the second half to confirm the defending champions’ place in the semi-finals.

“Unfortunately, it’s one of the many examples of this season where we weren’t able to score from the many chances we had,” Slot said. “Again, we were so far underperforming in terms of xG (expected goals of 1.94), and that is just an ongoing thing with us throughout the whole season.”

The Dutchman also pointed to a contentious video assistant referee (VAR) decision that saw a penalty given for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister overturned and a potentially serious injury to France forward Hugo Ekitike, adding to Liverpool’s disappointment on the night.

“Another intervention of the VAR which was not in our favour, and that’s also not for the first time this season,” he said.

“Then of course we are very disappointed, because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel that if we can score now, this is going to become a special night.”

Slot handed a first start to Alexander Isak since the Sweden international suffered a broken leg in December and said the striker’s return underlined what his team have missed.

“He was twice close to a goal, and that’s why you play a striker of his level,” he said. “If I thought he wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t have played him.”

He added that Isak’s absence had been a factor in Liverpool’s difficulties in front of goal this season, but he remained optimistic.

“The future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown we can compete with the champions of Europe and be the dominant team in our stadium,” he said.

“Not many teams can be dominant against Paris Saint-Germain and generate so many chances, as we did. But, yeah, chances is one thing, scoring is a second.”

Slot also said he would be surprised if Ekitike features again this season after being stretchered off with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon that could end his hopes of representing France at the World Cup.

“It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad,” he said. “Tomorrow we will investigate this further. Let’s see, but it doesn’t look good.”

French newspapers Le Parisien and L’Equipe reported on April 15 that Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles and will miss the World Cup.

Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League as they try to qualify for next season’s Champions League, next visit Merseyside rivals Everton for the first time at their new stadium on April 19.

Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique said his side showed why they are the continent’s reigning champions.

The 55-year-old Spaniard said retaining the trophy remained one of football’s toughest challenges, but his team had earned the right to compete among Europe’s elite once more.

“It’s difficult to defend the Champions League, we know that,” he said. “But we’re here again and we need to make the most of these opportunities.”

Asked whether PSG carry an “aura” as holders, he pointed instead to the confidence and belief within the squad, who will take on Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

“I don’t know, it’s difficult to judge that,” he said.

“But it’s a real pleasure for me to know my team is at that level and can play at that level no matter who they’re playing against.

“You can see what sort of team we are, we’ve got a lot of belief and a lot of confidence, and the supporters express that belief as well.” REUTERS, AFP