Liverpool don’t fear PSG Champions League test, says Arne Slot

LONDON – Arne Slot says Liverpool have nothing to fear at the Parc des Princes, as he prepares his team for a blockbuster Champions League clash with runaway French Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds, who are top of the English Premier League, take the next step in their bid for a first Champions League crown since 2019 when they face PSG in the last-16, first leg on March 5.

The six-time European champions lost on both their previous visits to PSG, in 1997 and 2018.

But Liverpool have been beaten just four times in all competitions this season and only once in the Champions League – by PSV Eindhoven in their final league-phase game, when they had already qualified for the last 16.

Slot’s men finished first in the league phase with seven wins from eight games, including a 2-0 success against holders Real Madrid, and have been equally dominant on the domestic stage.

Inspired by the sublime form of star forward Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are 13 points clear at the summit of the Premier League as they close in on a record-equalling 20th English title.

They can also win the first trophy of the Slot era when they face Newcastle United in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16.

With 20 victories, the Reds have won more league games than any team in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

After a recent wobble, Liverpool got back on track with a pair of 2-0 wins against Manchester City and Newcastle that took them a giant step closer to Premier League glory.

They also benefited from a weekend off to rest before the PSG tie, due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

With all these in mind, it was no wonder Slot made it clear Liverpool have no reason to feel any trepidation about their trip to Paris.

“Do we fear PSG? We don’t fear anybody. But I’m impressed by their quality, they are on an upwards curve a bit similar to ours at the moment,” the Dutchman said.

“I don’t think the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid fear opponents.

“But we definitely respect them and there’s a reason for that.

“They won so many games in a row and they have so many quality players.”

Like Liverpool, PSG are marching relentlessly towards the French title, opening up a 13-point lead thanks to a 24-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this season.

But Luis Enrique’s team have been less formidable in the Champions League, where they were forced into the play-off round after defeats by Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich left them in 15th place.

PSG then set up the eagerly anticipated showdown against Liverpool by demolishing unheralded French side Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.

Facing Liverpool is a challenge of a different magnitude and Enrique is well aware of the threat the Reds pose, describing the meeting of European powerhouses as an occasion more fitting for a final.

“I know Liverpool very well, without a doubt they are the team in the best form in Europe, both in terms of results and play,” the Spaniard said.

“It could have been a Champions League final. We’re going to try to do it with our weapons.”

With the second leg at Anfield on March 11, Liverpool could be tempted to take a cautious approach in Paris before feeding off the frenzied atmosphere created by their fans on European nights.

But Slot’s belief that the first leg will be one for football purists to admire suggested that he will send out Liverpool with attacking intent at the Parc des Princes.

“It’s going to be a very interesting game for everybody who loves football,” he added.

“I would be surprised if people who are neutral watch a different game than that one because I think everyone, including Paris Saint-Germain and us, are looking forward to the game.” AFP