Arne Slot insists Liverpool have nothing to fear as they prepare for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
The Premier League frontrunners take the next step in their pursuit of European glory when they face PSG in the last-16 first leg on Wednesday. While Liverpool have lost both their previous away encounters against the French giants in 1997 and 2018, they enter this tie with confidence, having been beaten just four times in all competitions this season. Their only Champions League defeat came against PSV Eindhoven in a match that held no stakes, as they had already secured qualification.
Liverpool topped the league phase with seven wins from eight games, including a commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid. Their domestic dominance has been equally impressive, with Slot’s side sitting 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they close in on a historic 20th English title.
Mohamed Salah’s scintillating form has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success, and they are also in contention for silverware in the League Cup final against Newcastle on March 16. With 20 league wins this season, the Reds boast the best record among Europe’s top five leagues.
After a minor dip in form, Liverpool responded emphatically with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Manchester City and Newcastle, reinforcing their title credentials. A weekend off, due to their FA Cup exit, has also given them valuable rest ahead of the PSG showdown.
Unsurprisingly, Slot remains confident heading into the clash. “Do we fear PSG? We don’t fear anybody,” he asserted. “But I’m impressed by their quality. They are on an upward curve, just like us. I don’t think teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona, or Real Madrid fear opponents, but we definitely respect them.”
Like Liverpool, PSG are cruising towards their domestic title, holding a 13-point lead in Ligue 1 while enjoying a 24-game unbeaten run. However, their Champions League journey has been less smooth, as defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich forced them into the play-off round, where they crushed Brest 10-0 on aggregate.
Despite PSG’s mixed European form, manager Luis Enrique is well aware of Liverpool’s threat, describing the showdown as worthy of a final. “Liverpool are the best team in Europe right now, both in terms of results and performances,” he admitted. “This could have been a Champions League final. We’ll approach it with our own strengths.”
With the second leg set for Anfield on March 11, Liverpool might be tempted to adopt a cautious approach in Paris before capitalizing on their home advantage. However, Slot hinted at an attacking strategy, promising an entertaining spectacle.
“It’s going to be a fascinating match for anyone who loves football,” the Dutchman said. “I’d be surprised if neutral fans choose to watch anything else because both PSG and us are looking forward to this game.”
