Paris Saint-Germain will not relish Liverpool reunion, says Arne Slot

LONDON – Arne Slot believes that Liverpool have fired a warning shot to Paris Saint-Germain of what they are capable of in a 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray on March 18, which set up a Champions League quarter-final against the holders.

The French giants edged past his side on penalties in the last 16 last season on their way to winning the competition for the first time.

Liverpool were riding high at the top of the English Premier League when the sides last met, but have endured a much more difficult second season under the Dutchman.

The Reds sit fifth in the English top flight and had to come from behind against Galatasaray after losing the first leg 1-0 in Istanbul.

However, there was little doubt over the outcome once Dominik Szoboszlai levelled the tie on 25 minutes at Anfield on March 18.

Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah struck in the second half, while Salah also missed a penalty, as Liverpool responded in style from being booed off after last weekend’s 1-1 Premier League home draw against struggling Tottenham Hotspur.

“They haven’t dropped their standards. It was hardly possible for them to improve, but they’ve been very impressive till now,” said Slot on facing the French champions. “But I think after tonight, they will not look forward to playing against us too.

“We showed tonight that we can still perform at the level we were performing (at) for large parts of last season, so it gives me, us, a lot of confidence that we have this performance.”

Liverpool won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes last season, totally against the run of play. But the roles were reversed as PSG triumphed 1-0 at Anfield, despite a much-improved Reds display in the second leg.

“We were completely outplayed away from home. I think we played a great game here at Anfield and in the end, we lost on penalties,” added Slot.

His decision to rest some key players from the start against Spurs at the weekend paid off.

Salah was one of those to return to the starting line-up and netted his 50th Champions League goal, after the disappointment of missing from the spot and a series of other huge chances.

“It says a lot about his mentality. He missed a penalty just before half-time and that was, of course, a difficult moment,” said Slot. “Then to come out second half and perform like that. A great assist to Hugo and the goal he scored was a trademark of him.”

Elsewhere, Igor Tudor claimed Tottenham’s spirited Champions League exit against Atletico Madrid showed they have improved enough to win their fight for Premier League survival – they are one point above the relegation zone.

Spurs beat Atletico 3-2 in the last-16, second leg in north London but it was not enough to advance as they bowed out 7-5 on aggregate.

“The sensations are mixed. You don’t like to not get through but it was a very good performance,” interim manager Tudor said.

“Congratulations to the players. It is positive, commitment, lot of running, lots of good things.

“The energy was really nice from the first moment. The players believed and you could see the performance at this moment is very important. In the last two games we have improved.”

Julian Alvarez and David Hancko scored Atletico’s goals, while Tottenham netted via Randal Kolo Muani and a brace from Xavi Simons. AFP, REUTERS