Arne Slot believes Liverpool still have a chance of making the Champions League semi-finals despite a 2-0 first-leg defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Reds knew things would be tough in Paris after heading into the game on the back of a chastening 4-0 loss against Manchester City.
And though it proved to be just as difficult as expected, Slot believes that the power of Anfield – and the unpredictability of football – can still see Liverpool mount an unlikely comeback.
Do you still think Liverpool can turn the quarter-final around at Anfield?
2-0 down vs PSG, it's going to be some ask from here…
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Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
Slot hoping for something to go Liverpool’s way vs PSG
In ordinary circumstances, many Liverpool fans would believe their team can turn a 2-0 first-leg deficit around at Anfield. But this is no ordinary Liverpool team, it is far, far worse.
Nevertheless, when asked if he still has hope of making the semi-final during his post-match press conference, Slot said that the result of Wednesday’s other quarter-final, plus the Reds’ history at Anfield, mean the tie is far from being over.
“Yes, of course there is [hope],” he said. “I think football has shown so many times that everything is possible. I think it was 10, 15, 20 minutes after the game when I looked at my phone and I saw Atletico had beaten Barcelona at home 0-2 because of a red card.”
Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
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“So in football, red cards, incidents, penalties yes or no, and don’t forget that Anfield can do a lot.
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“I was sitting after the away game at Galatasaray in front of most of the same journalists who were also not very positive about our game and one week later at Anfield we played probably the best game of the season.
“Our fans do make a big difference for us and that’s also needed because I think it was completely clear today that we need our fans more than ever if we have to face this Paris Saint-Germain team.”
Analysis: Liverpool have hope, but it is incredibly thin
Slot is right in his analysis in that you of course never know in football and Anfield has helped Liverpool overcome far worse in the past.
But if you look at the teams that turned things around against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, for example, under Jurgen Klopp, they are night and day to Slot’s team.
Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach
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Arne Slot reacts with frustration during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg match against Galatasaray at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
The mood in the fanbase on both of those occasions was one of positivity, excitement and a feeling of real momentum within the club.
Right now, it is quite literally the opposite for many Liverpool supporters, and though the players will be counting on the fans to give them a lift, it is hard to do that when the feeling is so downbeat.
There is always a chance if Liverpool can turn up and play at their absolute best, of course, and they were very good against PSG in the home tie last year. If they can harness that same feeling and give the crowd something to shout about early on, then maybe this is still alive.
The chances are slim, though, and in all likelihood Liverpool are out of the Champions League for another year. The way things are going, it could be a while before they are in the competition again.
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