Liverpool’s Champions League hopes are in the balance after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Paris St-Germain. The loss, Liverpool’s 16th of the season, came in Paris and left travelling fans frustrated. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, present at Parc des Princes, said, “Our champions were nowhere near.”
Stephen Warnock, the former Liverpool defender, went even further, stating, “It feels like confidence is at an all-time low.” Liverpool will host the second leg in six days’ time.
Toothless Attack and Defensive Concerns
Liverpool failed to register an attempt on target in a Champions League match for the first time since 2020. Warnock recalled Liverpool’s memorable European comebacks at Anfield, such as the 4-0 victory against Barcelona in 2019 after being 3-0 down. However, he added, “But it feels like they are a million miles away from doing anything like that at the moment.”
PSG dominated the match, enjoying 74% possession. PSG had 18 shots to Liverpool’s three and 39 touches in the box to the Reds’ nine. They also had more corners, more crosses, more passes, and better passing accuracy.
‘Survival Mode’ Tactics Questioned
Liverpool played with five in defence. Robinson suggested this formation “sends out the wrong signals.”
He added, “It is not playing to Liverpool’s strengths and it is defending their weaknesses.” One French journalist at the game likened Liverpool’s tactics to those of a “little team” in the French Cup coming up against PSG. “It was like they were scared,” he added.
- Liverpool have lost four consecutive away games in all competitions for the first time since 2012
Arne Slot said the Reds were in “survival mode”.
Despite the defeat, Liverpool will still believe they can turn this tie around when the teams meet for the second leg in six days’ time. According to Warnock, “We’ve seen some memorable European comebacks at Anfield before.”