Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool’s hopes in the Champions League quarter-final against PSG remain tethered, though the defeat in Paris has cast doubt over their ability to sustain progress. The team’s 2-0 loss to the European champions, combined with a 16th league defeat of the campaign, has left fans grappling with frustration. Despite the grim outcome, a second-leg encounter in six days offers a glimmer of optimism.
Toothless Liverpool’s hopes hang in balance after loss to PSG
The match at Parc des Princes exposed Liverpool’s vulnerabilities, with PSG dominating possession and play. The French side controlled 74% of the game, generating 18 shots compared to Liverpool’s three, while also outperforming them in key metrics like passes and crosses. The Reds, playing a back five, struggled to counterattack, allowing PSG to dominate both ends of the pitch.
“They were scared,” remarked a French journalist, comparing Liverpool’s approach to a “little team” in the French Cup. “It felt like they were playing defensively without confidence.”
Stephen Warnock, the former Liverpool defender, echoed concerns about the team’s morale. “Confidence is at an all-time low,” he stated, noting that the club’s ability to stage dramatic comebacks, such as their 4-0 win over Barcelona in 2019, seems out of reach. Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, added that the setup “sent out the wrong signals” for a team like Liverpool, which relies on attacking flair.
The Reds’ tactical choices were tested further when manager Arne Slot opted to drop Mohamed Salah, leaving the star forward unused in the second half. Despite Alexander Isak’s return from injury as a substitute, his impact was minimal, with just three touches in the final 18 minutes. Slot defended his decision, citing energy conservation for future matches.
Liverpool’s struggles extend beyond this clash. They have now lost four consecutive away games in all competitions—a feat not seen since 2012. Slot’s team has managed only one goal in three matches, with zero in the last two, raising questions about their current form. However, the manager remains cautiously hopeful, stating, “We didn’t give up, and that’s why we still have a chance.”
With their 74.4% win rate under Slot last season now under threat, the pressure mounts. The Reds have won just 49.2% of their games since exiting the Champions League on penalties, signaling a possible shift in support if they fail to qualify for the next round. For now, the team clings to the possibility of a dramatic turnaround, but the road ahead looks increasingly perilous.
