Liverpool boss Arne Slot is determined to make an impact on the Champions League stage after losing out in the last 16 next term with the Reds beginning their campaign impressively
Jamie Carragher's Champions League exploits have made their mark on Arne Slot
Jamie Carragher's Champions League exploits have made their mark on Arne Slot
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Jamie Carragher bumped into Liverpool boss Arne Slot on his summer holidays with the Dutchman introducing the former player to his wife and family as a "Champions League winner" with his comment hitting a chord with the pundit.
The Reds claimed Premier League glory last term, but saw their European hopes ended in the last 16 by eventual winners PSG. The Merseysiders have a glorious history on the European stage and are England's most successful side, last ruling the continent in 2019.
Slot is looking to make an impact on the Champions League stage and Carragher noticed how it was his European exploits that led to his introduction when he met the Liverpool manager and his family.
Carragher was part of the 2005 side that produced the Miracle of Istanbul. He would also play in another final two years later and the ex-player believes you can tell Slot's desire for European success burns strong.
He told Sky Sports: "I bumped into Slot last summer when we were both away on holiday. We were with our families and I thanked him for what they'd done last season and he introduced me as a Champions League winner to his wife and kids.
"I almost felt like he was suggesting that was his next step, I could feel it the way he said it. We've won won the league, but now we want the Champions League and its just stuck with me. You can feel he wants that."
Liverpool have won three of their four games to begin this year's tournament - seeing off both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Anfield. They last made the final in 2022 under Jurgen Klopp and, given their huge investment in the summer, Carragher concedes expectation levels will increase with the semi-finals a minimum requirement.
Liverpool's Champions League hopes were ended last season by PSG
Liverpool's Champions League hopes were ended last season by PSG
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Despite seeing off PSG in their first-leg in the French capital last season a loss at Anfield lead to a penalty shootout, which the Parisians won. PSG landed huge plaudits for their style last season, beating Aston Villa and Arsenal before downing Inter Milan in the final.
And Carragher has noticed the affection Slot has for the Paris outfit, even suggesting he could stomach their Champions League loss to PSG given the manner in which they play.
"I think Slot has a little obsession with the Champions League," he said. "He spoke abut PSG a lot last season, off the back of losing to them, he speaks so well of them he almost admired losing to that team and the fact they won it. And the way they won it, they way they played in the final, I think he loves managers whose teams play like that."
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