Arne Slot has called on Liverpool to deliver their strongest performance of the season as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
The Reds secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Paris last week, thanks in large part to a stellar goalkeeping display from Alisson Becker. However, Slot acknowledged that his side must step up their game at Anfield to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition they last won in 2019.
Slot insisted that Liverpool will not adopt a defensive approach despite their slim advantage, urging his players to push themselves to a new level. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he emphasised the team’s attacking intent.
“We want to play a different game, the intention is always the same, we are not going to go for a draw,” Slot said. “That was also the plan last week, but we ended up sitting too deep at times. It wasn’t our intention.”
Liverpool, who are enjoying a dominant domestic campaign with a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League, are also preparing to face Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
When asked if overcoming PSG would require Liverpool’s best display under his leadership, Slot was clear in his response.
“Yes. I do think so. This is the most complete team we have faced so far,” he admitted. “We have played against Arsenal and Manchester City, and while the margins were small, PSG’s intensity, combined with their quality, financial strength, and excellent manager, makes them a particularly difficult opponent.”
Liverpool boast an impressive record in European knockout ties, having progressed to the next round on all 39 previous occasions when winning the first leg. Their formidable home form further bolsters their confidence, with just one defeat at Anfield since April, a venue renowned for its electrifying atmosphere on European nights.
Slot also addressed claims from France that Liverpool were less dominant against PSG compared to Arsenal and Bayern Munich earlier this season. He attributed this perception to PSG’s significant improvement in recent months under Luis Enrique.
“Some have said Arsenal and Bayern were better against PSG than we were. That is what I have heard,” Slot remarked. “But PSG have improved a lot in the last two to three months since they played those teams. They are pressing high and taking risks with one-on-one situations all over the pitch.”
With Dutch forward Cody Gakpo returning from injury, Liverpool will be looking to make a statement on Tuesday, with Slot hoping to leave no doubt about his team’s quality against the French champions.
