Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot described his team’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday as the “finest game” he’s ever participated in, while acknowledging that the Premier League leaders encountered some misfortune during the penalty shootout.
PSG had controlled the first leg a week earlier but found themselves trailing 1-0 after Harvey Elliott’s late goal clinched a thrilling win for the Reds at the Parc des Princes.
This time around, however, the tables were turned, with Slot lamenting Liverpool’s inability to convert chances following Ousmane Dembele’s opening goal in the 12th minute.
PSG ultimately triumphed 4-1 in the shootout, with Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones having their penalties thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“If there’s one thing to take away, it was the best football match I’ve ever been part of. The performance was remarkable, especially in contrast to last week,” Slot expressed.
“The match had everything you expect from a game. From Liverpool’s perspective, we certainly deserved at least a draw after the full 90 minutes.
“We generated a number of chances, yet found ourselves trailing 1-0. We simply didn’t have the luck this time around, unlike the previous week.“
Liverpool had topped their group in the revamped Champions League format after securing victories in their first seven matches.
Nevertheless, Slot raised concerns regarding whether the new structure adequately rewards teams for finishing at the top, especially after drawing one of Europe’s strongest teams in the round of 16.
“We exit in a manner that showcased our capabilities to Europe, but it’s worth contemplating the true value of finishing first in the league when facing PSG in the next round,” the Dutch manager noted.
“It’s undoubtedly a shock to be eliminated. Just last season, we weren’t in the Champions League, and two years ago we were knocked out by Madrid, suffering a 5-2 loss at home.
“If we have to bow out, I’d rather do it against one of the best teams in Europe, especially after putting up such a strong fight.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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