Steven Gerrard was less than impressed with Arne Slot’s decision to set Liverpool up in a 3-5-2 system against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds lost 2-0 in Paris, but could easily have been beaten by four or five, with Slot‘s team failing to register a shot on target.
It was a gamble from the Liverpool head coach to change shape so drastically for their biggest game of the season, but according to Gerrard, he should not do the same again when PSG come to Anfield next week.
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Gerrard says Liverpool’s system largely failed against PSG
On the face of it, there was logic to Slot’s decision to give Liverpool more defensive solidity at the Parc des Princes.
However, as Gerrard told TNT Sports after the game, it meant they offered absolutely zero up front. On a night where they still conceded two, the plan clearly did not work.
“It will be a real big ask because PSG are so good, they’ve got so many quality players,” he said when asked if Liverpool could still turn the tie around.
Paris Saint-Germain FC v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
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“It was total domination tonight. The Liverpool tactics and game plan didn’t work for large periods and phases of the game. They had nothing up top, they were toothless, they didn’t create anything. They got in behind a couple of times but the quality of crosses wasn’t there.
“Over the course of 90 minutes going forwards they haven’t offered enough, but they have given themselves a small opportunity.”
Looking ahead to next week’s return leg at Anfield, Gerrard urged Slot to disregard Wednesday’s formation in order to have any hope of getting back into the tie.
“The game will be different because PSG had it all their own way,” he said. “There’s no way a back five with those tactics and that formation get you three goals at Anfield, you have to be more bold with your tactics.”
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