Liverpool are out of the Champions League after losing 4-1 on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday evening as the visitors once again outshined the Reds in several key areas where they need to strengthen next summer. The Reds conceded an unlucky goal in the first half, allowing PSG to negate their first-leg loss last week.
While many Liverpool fans can question momentum-breaking decisions from the official, in the end, the better team won the tie. Les Parisians showcased incredible domination and superiority in athleticism throughout the two-legged Champions League tie against the Premier League leaders. Some Liverpool players lost many duels and failed to live up to the pace of the French club’s attacking lineup.
However, it is crucial to remember that no one predicted Liverpool as a favourite at the start of the season. Despite finishing at the top of the Champions League’s League Phase, the Reds secured the toughest draw against PSG.
The fanbase will divide as the majority of the Reds understand that the better team beat them. While the other side that has constantly complained about the lack of spending have some valid points as well.
Rest assured, Liverpool management and boss Arne Slot should take this Paris SG loss as an important lesson for the seasons ahead, with a crucial summer window right after this season. The Reds put faith in the squad that Slot inherited from the legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, only adding Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa has barely featured this season, an expected scenario given his injury record at Juventus leading to the bargain deal. Many players have reached a certain level and face stagnancy for Slot to assess them and take action accordingly.
There is also a matter of consistency, as Liverpool fans have witnessed a good chunk of players suffering a massive drop in form after every few months. The PSG game also exposed the mental aspect, which some players lack during a crucial stage of the game. A similar thing has happened in the last three seasons, which mandates changes in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The lack of outlet from Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz
The Reds have faced a consistent issue in attack against top teams since the departure of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Both legendary forwards complemented Mohamed Salah, even picking up the burden for the Reds when Salah struggled. The lack of outlet during the two fixtures was a glaring problem for Liverpool against Paris SG, something they need to rectify next summer.
However, there is a glaring absence of that with inconsistencies, nagging injuries and limitations haunting their successors. Luis Diaz resorts to more flamboyancy than the final product in critical situations, frustrating his supporters more than his rivals.
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have struggled to deliver for Liverpool consistently
The Colombian international’s influence is inconsistent as he ruins a lot of chances before creating a moment of magic. Diaz’s no-look pass in the second-half, which a PSG player intercepted, highlights his issue with giving in to the temptation of style over efficiency.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota remains only a goal-poacher, facing limitations in his overall play to influence the game. The Portuguese international also struggles with constant fitness and injury problems that make him highly unreliable for the whole campaign.
Jota has a poor hold-up play and fails to contribute significantly during the transition from the middle third to the attacking third. Apart from what people can observe from their play, the lack of assists in the stats of both Jota and Diaz is big evidence in itself. While Jota has 22 assists from 173 games for Liverpool, Diaz has only 18 assists from 139 games. Comparatively, the 32-year-old Salah has 22 assists in all competitions during this season alone from 42 matches.
Darwin Nunez – A cycle of misfortune
Darwin Nunez provides a better hold-up play and influence in the game compared to Jota. However, the Uruguayan international has suffered more misery than triumph throughout his Liverpool tenure, missing several key chances.
Liverpool fans are sympathetic to his penalty miss in the end against PSG, which led to the eventual loss. However, there is no argument that a club like Liverpool deserve better from their number nine who cost them plenty.
There was a sense of fear when Nunez stepped up as the second penalty-taker after Salah. There is an uncanny and unexplainable cycle which has haunted many top players in the past. Once they start to fail at a club, it becomes hard for them to rejuvenate, and the cycle continues until they leave.
Nunez could fulfill his potential elsewhere, but it is highly unlikely that he could provide any more than he already has at Liverpool. Parting ways in the summer is a mutually beneficial decision for both Liverpool and the Uruguayan.
Curtis Jones problem
Curtis Jones’s cameo was one of the biggest letdowns against PSG, as his introduction allowed them to take control. The 24-year-old got easily dispossessed several times in quick succession, failing to keep possession and win duels.
Jones has received consistent backing from the fanbase, earning those credits under Klopp despite his inconsistency. Many fans believed that he would put those inconsistencies in the past after enjoying a good start to the season.
However, the Englishman remains incapable of taking his form throughout the campaign, something that Liverpool cannot afford. As a competitor for Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, Jones has failed to put in the same level of performance every week.
Slot’s lack of faith in the bench
There are players within the squad who are not capable of impacting the game, at least according to Slot’s preferences. PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced several impactful substitutes late in the game, unlike the Liverpool boss.
Despite his struggle with form, Andy Robertson is still preferred over Kostas Tsimikas by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Kang-In Lee, Desire Doue and Lucas Beraldo played an important role for the French club, giving them another gear. Meanwhile, Chiesa remained an unused substitute while Cody Gakpo, who looked visibly unfit, was preferred as a substitute.
While Andy Robertson struggled to live up to the pace of the PSG’s attacking unit, Slot’s preference to keep Robertson over Kostas Tsimikas also speaks volumes.
The summer window will play a crucial role for Liverpool and Slot, as they need to sign the right players. The good thing is that this game has exposed all the mental and physical weaknesses that many players possess. Furthermore, Paris has provided a good reminder to Liverpool by showcasing the kind of athletic players they have signed, profiles that the Reds should consider next summer.