Liverpool were well beaten by PSG in their Champions League clash with the performance levels proving alarming as Jamie Carragher commented on how it didn't look like two top flight teams squaring off
Jamie Carragher was alarmed by the gap between the two teams
Jamie Carragher was alarmed by the gap between the two teams(Image: CBS Sports Golazo/YouTube)
View 2 Images
Jamie Carragher confessed that seeing Liverpool lose to PSG was "like watching a team from a lower division" such was the gulf in class on Wednesday night.
The Reds left the Parc des Princes having lost the first leg 2-0, but the manner of the performance suggests it could've been far more damaging. PSG scored in either half, first through Desire Doue and then Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished impressively to double their lead.
Liverpool were always heading into the tie as underdogs given their struggles this season and PSG's tag as European champions, but the gap between the two teams alarmed Carragher, who couldn't believe the difference from 12 months ago when the two teams played out a hugely competitive knockout tie.
Arne Slot's side have fallen off a cliff since then and European success in their only remaining trophy hope, but that looks to all but have gone despite a return leg to come.
Carragher said on CBS Sports: "That was like watching a team from a lower division. The gulf in class was very worrying from a Liverpool point of view. In some ways, it's a great result as it should have been five or six. But the gulf between the two teams was absolutely startling when you consider last season.
"Yes, Liverpool got battered at PSG and they won 1-0, we know that. But the second leg at Anfield was a really close game, two top teams. Liverpool then go and spend £450m, probably a lot more than PSG spent in the summer. To see the gulf there is worrying. You think, how's it got to that? How's it got that bad?"
Liverpool changed tactics and began with a back five, which is not common practice for this team. The tweak failed to have the desired affect as PSG were just as dominant and Carragher felt "they were actually more open with the back five than they would be with the back four".
Liverpool's tactical tweak failed to have the desired affect
Liverpool's tactical tweak failed to have the desired affect(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Despite the gulf in class the tie does remain open, albeit PSG will be huge favourites to get the job done even if they do have to go to Anfield. The demise at Liverpool has been such that the likes of PSV have come to Merseyside and won this season, but Slot remained defiant.
He said: "We're lucky to only lose 2-0 as they had more chances than they scored, although the first goal felt harsh as we didn't give anything away. It's very good we're still in the tie. We can bring them to Anfield with how much a difference Anfield can make for us."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of MirrorFootball content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.