French press have taken aim at Liverpool ahead of their showdown against PSG
L'Equipe have stated that PSG could 'overthrow' the Reds in their own 'kingdom'
LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! With the Premier League likely securing five Champions League spots, are we rewarding mediocrity?
By STEFAN BURGHILA
Published: 05:50 EDT, 11 March 2025 | Updated: 05:50 EDT, 11 March 2025
French outlets have taken aim at Liverpool ahead of their game against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Anfield on Tuesday.
The Reds will host the Ligue 1 title holders with a one-goal lead following their fortunate game in the capital of France last week.
Arne Slot's band pulled off a smash-and-grab win after Harvey Elliott's goal sealed a 1-0 victory, as PSG had 27 shots in total and 10 on target.
Meanwhile, Liverpool had only two shots throughout the entire game, with their second strike concluding in a goal from the academy product in the 87th minute.
However, ahead of Tuesday night's game, the press from France have weighed in on PSG's chances of a comeback at Anfield as they claimed Luis Enrique's side could 'overthrow' the Reds in their own 'kingdom'.
'Magnificent last week, despite the defeat, PSG knew how to maintain hope. At Anfield on Tuesday evening, the Parisians seem capable of overthrowing Liverpool in their kingdom,' L'Equipe stated on their front cover.
Bullish French media have weighed in on PSG's chances of a potential comeback against Liverpool at Anfield
L'Equipe have claimed that the Parisiens could 'overthrow' Arne Slot's band in their own 'kingdom'
The Reds will take on the Ligue 1 title holders with a one-goal lead following Harvey Elliott's winner last week
'[It is] the moment for PSG to reveal themselves to themselves, and to the world.
'Liverpool's boys can contort themselves to say what the substance of the first leg was, but in their eyes the naked truth is that they did not expect it, and they did not imagine being run over to such proportions.
'In most areas that matter, PSG were far above the Reds.'
The analysis comes after Liverpool had a fairly poor performance in the capital of France, with goalkeeper Alisson having to make nine saves in order to achieve the victory at Parc de Princes.
The Reds had since won their Premier League clash against bottom-ranked Southampton despite another dismal display in the first half.
Following William Smallbone's opener in the 46th minute, the Reds' coaching staff managed to save the three points, making several substitutions at halftime.
While Arne Slot was in the stands due to his suspension, an equaliser from Darwin Nunez and a brace by Mohamed Salah secured a 3-1 comeback win at Anfield.
However, before the clash against PSG, the Dutch manager admitted that Enrique's side was the best team he had faced.
Both Liverpool and PSG are considered to be the best teams in the world at the moment
Ousmane Dembele enjoys the best season of his career, scoring 28 goals in 35 appearances
Arne Slot has revealed he is having sleepless nights ahead of the PSG's visit to Anfield
'In a week like this I do not dream at all. I just know I have to work really, really, really hard to prepare the team in the best possible way', Slot said.
'If you have a game like we did last week, you feel like, “Can I even go to sleep at all? Or do I have to watch even more?” So no, I do not dream at all at the moment about this week.
'This is the most complete team we have faced so far. What I mean with complete is that, OK we have faced Arsenal and City and they are not big margins but the intensity they play at combined with the quality they have and they are one of the richest clubs.'
His admiration comes after PSG recommended themselves as one of the best teams in Europe in 2025, following some innovative tactic changes from Enrique in the attacking line.
While the Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's arrival was a significant boost to the team, the Spaniard allowed all of his three attacking men the freedom necessary. At the same time, the midfield and defensive lines ensure the security at the back.
This explains why Ousmane Dembele is considered one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or at the end of the season, as the Frenchman has scored 28 goals in 35 appearances so far.
'We know what Liverpool means with a historic stadium and a wonderful history. It’s a huge source of motivation for the players and we want to show we are capable of putting in a performance,' said Enrique on Monday.
'It is difficult to manage one’s emotions and feelings, these are not easy games to prepare for and it is not easy to be at 100 per cent.
'But you don’t want to be at 105 or 110 per cent because you could get carried away so you have to manage your emotions in the best possible way.'