Liverpool were riding on a crest of superb form and appeared destined to secure a Scouser’s treble but fate dealt otherwise. Indeed, they had a lead, but could not hold it against a visit from Paris SG, who then eliminated them from the Champions League.
Curtis Jones was the other player alongside Nunez who failed to convert in the penalty shootout, which caused Arne Slot’s team to bow down at this stage in the competition. He is now conscious that while the shoot was disappointing, something deeper would have made him regret whether he had stepped up to take the penalty.
The defeat ruined Liverpool’s hopes for a historic Scouser’s treble, having to turn attention to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final versus Newcastle.
Jones had fans worried how he would be coping with the disappointment, but their concern proved to be unjustified. Though Núñez was understandably upset at the end of the game, Jones was philosophical about the experience and viewed it as a way for him to grow as an individual and a footballer.
Curtis Jones’ priceless reaction to penalty miss says it all
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Arne Slot’s current midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai stands among the Premier League’s best, with Curtis Jones pushing to break into the lineup. Jones feels he has made progress under Slot this season and aims to carry that momentum into next season to establish himself as a regular starter.
Liverpool’s players felt the pressure during their penalty shootout against PSG on Tuesday as soon as Darwin Nunez had his spot-kick saved. The Scouser stepped up next, knowing he couldn’t afford to miss. Unfortunately, Gianluigi Donnarumma denied his effort, leaving the Reds on the verge of elimination.
Curtis was not bothered by missing the crucial penalty against PSG and [told The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6203294/2025/03/15/liverpool-curtis-jones-interview-arne-slot/?source=emp_shared_article) that he slept perfectly and saw it as all part of his journey. Optimistic about his talent, he welcomes responsibility and wishes his team to trust him, even if that means the possibility of falling short.
He admits that rising to the challenge in high-pressure situations… to take the last shot, charge down the ball, or experience adversity such as losing possession or failing a penalty…. is what he wants to become. Jones is not a passenger in matches; rather, he tries to be an integral member of the squad.
Taking lessons from sporting heroes who have known both failure and triumph, he is convinced that greatness comes from being resilient. It’s okay for him to miss a penalty kick, but it’s not okay to retreat from responsibility. A really great mentality shown from the youngster.
The next phase of Jones’ career will be pivotal as the 24-year-old fights to secure a spot as a regular starter in Slot’s team. If he succeeds next season, he has the potential to become a Liverpool great, as his mentality, evident in his response to the PSG penalty miss, is a rare trait among footballers.
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Jones will have plenty of opportunities in 2025, but it’s up to him to carve his place among Liverpool’s greats like Gerrard and Souness. With the right mentality and undeniable grit, he has everything it takes to build a bright future at Anfield.