Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has heaped praise on Liverpool after their European dreams were extinguished at Anfield on Tuesday night as Paris Saint-Germain triumphed in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The 1-0 defeat on the night (1-1 on aggregate) followed by a 4-1 penalty shootout loss serves as a bruising blow for Arne Slot’s side.
The defeat to PSG has compounded Liverpool’s defensive concerns ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury during the second half represents a particular blow to Liverpool’s prospects at Wembley.
The talented right-back went down and required substitution, with early assessments suggesting a significant problem.
Slot’s post-match comments offered little optimism regarding the defender’s availability for the weekend showpiece against Newcastle United.
Despite the Champions League elimination, Liverpool’s season remains on course for significant success. The Reds enjoy a commanding 15-point advantage in the Premier League6, putting them in pole position to reclaim the title they last won under Jürgen Klopp in 2020.
This substantial cushion allows Slot’s side to withstand any potential wobble in form following their European disappointment.
Speaking after the game, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was quick to praise Liverpool as refereed to the win as the best of his tenure at the French club:
“I think it’s one of the best, if not the best [wins], to be honest.” he said to CBS Sports.
“At Anfield, against Liverpool, the best club today in Europe – they finished first in the group stage and are the Premier League leaders – it is something very, very special.”
“For the last 13-14 years, we have been building the club and the brand of the the club which is very important for our project. The last two years, and especially this season, the star is the team.”
“The star is the team. The coach, the players, amazing. If you asked me the best players, I don’t know, all of them.”
He added on the Anfield club:
“I’m very proud. We know it’s not easy with the amazing fans. We respect Liverpool and the history, the coach, their players. We always admired Liverpool as one of the best clubs in the history European football and today.”
“To be at Anfield was really amazing and players showed 110%. We have one of, if not the youngest teams in Europe to show this character and energy. I’m more proud of the character to come and win, even in Paris but also here so it’s something amazing.”
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