Arne Slot insists Liverpool have nothing to be anxious about as he readies his Premier League title contenders for a thrilling Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, who sit comfortably atop Ligue 1.
Slot’s team will take a significant step towards claiming their first Champions League trophy since 2019 when they face PSG in the opening leg of their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
The six-time European champions have faced defeat on both previous occasions they visited Paris, back in 1997 and 2018.
However, Liverpool have only suffered four losses across all competitions this season, with just one occurring in the Champions League – a defeat to PSV Eindhoven in their final group stage match, when qualification for the knockout phase was already secured.
The Reds topped the group phase with seven victories from eight matches, including a notable 2-0 triumph against reigning champions Real Madrid, and have similarly dominated in the domestic league.
Speared by the exceptional form of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Slot’s squad is currently 13 points ahead at the summit of the Premier League as they edge closer to matching a record 20th English title.
Liverpool also have the opportunity to secure the first piece of silverware in the Slot era when they compete against Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on 16 March.
Having secured 20 wins, Liverpool holds the record for the most league victories among Europe’s top five leagues this season.
After a minor dip in form, Liverpool has regained momentum with consecutive 2-0 victories against Manchester City and Newcastle, bringing them closer to Premier League triumph.
They also benefited from a weekend off to recuperate ahead of the tie with PSG, thanks to their earlier elimination from the FA Cup.
No wonder Slot expressed confidence that Liverpool should approach their trip to Paris with assurance.
“Do we fear PSG? We don’t fear anyone. However, I am impressed by their quality, and they seem to be on an upward trajectory, somewhat similar to us at this moment,” he remarked.
“I don’t believe clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, or Real Madrid fear their opponents.
“Nevertheless, we absolutely respect them, and rightly so. They have won numerous matches in succession and possess a plethora of quality players.”
‘It could have been the final’
Like Liverpool, PSG is relentlessly pursuing the French title, boasting a 13-point advantage courtesy of a 24-match unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 this season.
However, Luis Enrique’s squad has been less dominant in the Champions League, having been relegated to the play-off round after setbacks against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich left them languishing in 15th position.
PSG advanced to the highly anticipated clash with Liverpool by thrashing an unheralded Brest side 10-0 on aggregate during the play-offs.
Confronting Liverpool presents a considerably greater challenge, and Enrique is acutely aware of the threat they represent, labelling the encounter between these European giants as more fitting for a final.
“I know Liverpool very well; they are undoubtedly the team in top form in Europe, both in terms of results and gameplay,” he stated.
“This could easily have been a Champions League final. We’ll be attempting to compete using our own strengths.”
With the return leg set for Anfield on 11 March, Liverpool might be tempted to adopt a more cautious strategy in Paris, before thriving off the electric atmosphere generated by their supporters on European nights.
However, Slot’s conviction that the first leg will be a spectacle for true football aficionados indicates that he will field Liverpool with an attacking mindset at the Parc des Princes.
“It’s going to be a captivating match for anyone who loves football,” the Dutchman remarked.
“I’d be surprised if neutral viewers find another match more enthralling because I believe both Paris Saint-Germain and ourselves are eagerly anticipating this encounter.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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