Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has lauded Liverpool manager Arne Slot, stating that the Dutchman has shaped an “almost perfect team” since succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Two of Europe’s most dominant teams this season, PSG and Liverpool, will clash on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
“It’s difficult to imagine a better matchup on paper between two dominant teams, with two slightly different ways of playing but teams with dominant styles,” Luis Enrique said during his pre-match press conference.
Liverpool have lost on both previous visits to PSG, in 1997 and 2018. However, their most recent defeat in Paris came months before they went on to claim the Champions League title in Madrid, defeating Tottenham in the final.
The Reds have also twice fallen short in the final under Klopp, losing to Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022, the latter marred by chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France.
Slot took over from Klopp last summer and has made a swift impact on the six-time European champions, guiding them to a commanding position in the Premier League and top spot in the new-look Champions League group stage.
“Liverpool have been one of the best teams in Europe over the past few years; they won the Champions League in 2019,” Luis Enrique noted.
“It was difficult to improve on what Klopp did, but Arne Slot has succeeded in creating an almost perfect team.”
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been in blistering form, scoring 30 goals and providing 22 assists, making him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. However, Luis Enrique warned that Liverpool’s threat extends beyond the Egyptian star.
PSG struggled in the early stages of the Champions League, losing three of their first five matches, but they emphatically dispatched Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs to reach the knockout phase. Unbeaten in their last 22 matches across all competitions, they will be counting on their home advantage in the first leg.
