PSG Outclass Liverpool as Slot’s Side Fall Short on Big Stage

Less than a year after Liverpool FC lifted the Premier League title, Arne Slot now faces a defining stretch, as his side’s season depends on qualifying for the Champions League. Moreover, his own future could hinge on that outcome. With no silverware secured, Slot has already made it clear that failing to qualify would render the campaign “definitely not acceptable.”

A Tough Exit Against Europe’s Best

Although this marked Liverpool’s 17th defeat of the season, they still produced one of their more competitive performances. For long periods, they matched Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning European champions. However, Ousmane Dembélé’s 72nd-minute goal ultimately settled the contest.
Afterward, PSG boss Luis Enrique described the match as intense and praised the quality shown by both teams. Indeed, Liverpool can take some pride in how they competed. Nevertheless, the broader concern remains clear: the team has regressed.

Notably, when these sides met in last season’s round of 16, PSG required a penalty shootout to progress. This time, however, they dominated across both legs. While Liverpool showed glimpses of promise at Anfield, the 4-0 aggregate scoreline fairly reflected the difference in quality.

Signs of Promise, but Work to Do

Despite the disappointment, Slot highlighted several positives. At times in the second half, Liverpool looked capable of producing a dramatic comeback if they had converted their chances. Furthermore, they managed to dominate spells against one of Europe’s strongest teams—something very few clubs achieve.
Statistically, Liverpool created far more opportunities at home, recording an xG of 1.94 compared to just 0.18 in Paris. Even so, these encouraging signs do not hide the reality that significant improvements are needed before they can re-establish themselves as genuine European contenders.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Mohamed Salah, who waved to the Anfield crowd after what may have been his final Champions League appearance for the club. Consequently, attention now turns to whether both Salah and Liverpool will feature in the competition next season.

Selection Decisions Under Scrutiny

In addition, Slot made a bold but controversial call by starting Alexander Isak, despite the striker only being fit enough for 45 minutes. In hindsight, the decision did not pay off. Isak managed just five touches before Slot replaced him with Cody Gakpo at halftime.
Nevertheless, Slot defended his choice, pointing out that Isak came close to scoring twice and arguing that such moments justify selecting a player of his caliber. He also insisted he would not have started him if he believed he was unfit.

However, critics disagreed strongly. Journalist Julien Laurens argued that the starting lineup was fundamentally flawed and that Liverpool should have begun the match with the same intensity they showed after the break. According to him, Slot’s decisions ultimately cost the team.
Similarly, former defender Stephen Warnock criticized Isak’s lack of physical presence and overall impact. By contrast, Gakpo made an immediate difference, contributing more in a few minutes than Isak had in the entire first half.

Ultimately, Warnock concluded that Isak’s lack of match fitness made it unrealistic to expect a strong performance in such a high-pressure game. As a result, Slot’s gamble highlighted the fine margins—and costly risks—at the highest level.