Liverpool fell to a 2-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, a result not unexpected. What was more disappointing, though, was the team’s lack of direction.
While Liverpool will feel they are in with a shout as the teams go back to Anfield next week, there can be no doubting that this was another black mark against Arne Slot and his side.
The Reds came up against probably Europe’s best and changed formation in an effort to deal with their threat. PSG made light work of the Reds’ back five, though, and would have sealed progression with better finishing.
Ahead of Liverpool’s next three games, Fulham at home, PSG at home and Everton away, there was plenty to debate about how the Reds approach the next steps on this long road of a season.
Here, Sam Millne (@sam_millne), Paddy Allen (@P_Allen21) and Abigail Rudkin (@rudkin_abigail) discuss the back five, the upcoming Fulham game and Liverpool’s chances in the second leg against PSG.
First off, the back five – was it the right move?
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and first assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff (R) during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
PADDY: I certainly don’t blame him for trying something different but it was clear that, during the first half especially, the players didn’t really know where to be, who to track and really struggled to get out.
It also says a lot that a year on from playing PSG and the discourse being one of trying to mirror the way they play, that we went there and played a system designed for damage limitation.
SAM: It wasn’t the right choice, or at least the way in which we went about it.
Slot chose to change ahead of the toughest fixture of the season, and the lack of preparation time was evident. Liverpool tried to man-mark across the pitch, but such was PSG’s quality that they ran us ragged.
Perhaps more worryingly than the actual performance, though, was the thought process behind switching formations.
The head coach is clearly desperate for solutions. By changing to accommodate PSG – a sensible decision perhaps if done correctly – Liverpool effectively surrendered the upper hand from the start.
The way Slot spoke after the game, about not being able to stop Luis Enrique’s side whatever they did, can’t exactly have boosted the confidence of the players.
Based on the screenshot provided, I have updated the HTML and CSS to reflect the specific match statistics. I also adjusted the visual bars to accurately represent the ratio between the two teams for each metric.
PSG
2 – 0
LIVERPOOL
Possession
74%26%
Expected Goals (xG)
2.350.17
Total Shots
183
Shots on Target
60
Big Chances
40
Accurate Passes
685 (92%)190 (75%)
Fouls Committed
812
Corners
31
Data via FotMob
ABI: I don’t blame the manager for trying something different, but it really does feel like a last-ditch attempt to salvage something that’s already over.
The back-five situation just left Virgil struggling (made even worse by Konate having an awful time).
Were there any encouraging signs for Liverpool?
PADDY: I’m clutching at straws but I think the response to conceding both goals, the first one especially considering the manner of it, was good – at least better than it was at City.
I’m struggling to pick anything else out really. At least we’re still in the tie which is something we’d all have dealt on going into the game.
ABI: Like Paddy, I think it was an encouraging sign that there was still fight there after we conceded both times.
I wouldn’t say we gave up in the same way as against City- that was a complete downing of tools!
Last night I could see they wanted to stay in this tie back to Anfield, even though PSG probably could’ve made it five or six if they really wanted to.
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SAM: While we are left wanting more ruthlessness from Wirtz, I do feel he has been the victim of circumstance to some extent this season.
There were moments on Wednesday night, particularly a lovely dinked pass for Frimpong’s chance, that showcased his quality.
To be honest, though, like Paddy, I’m grasping at straws here.
What would you do against Fulham?
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
ABI: If the manager feels like Isak is fit enough to start, then maybe try Ekitike and Isak in a front two together.
I feel like I’m running out of ideas on how to get this to work when the players themselves don’t seem to understand what they’re being coached to do.
I’d even consider giving Rio a chance to start; I just want to see an exciting game of football.
Even if we lose but put in some sort of exciting performance with promise for the future, then I’d accept that. I’ve not seen that for a long time.
SAM: I’d disagree given Ekitike could hardly run by the time he came off with 10 minutes to go at the Parc des Princes.
If we are to stand any chance of going through, we need him ready for the second leg. Also, we would be wise to treat Isak very carefully.
Liverpool should be doing everything in their power to ensure that the £125 million man is firing next season.
Ngumoha, Gakpo and Salah are the most likely trio to start against Fulham.
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah on the bench before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
PADDY: Personally, I’d be playing as strong a team as possible. The club needs to get Champions League football for next season.
I’d say the Fulham game holds more significance than the second leg, to be honest.
Maybe you see more of Isak, maybe Rio and Salah come in. Whatever he does, the squad as a whole aren’t fit enough to play three games in a week, so he’s damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.
Have we got a chance in the second leg?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool supporters on the Spion Kop stand in silence as they pay tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July, during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SAM: Yes, we do. While it mightn’t be a big chance, if we get behind the team from kick-off, Liverpool can get through.
Whether a win just on the night is enough is another matter – surely PSG score to make our task even more difficult – but we all ultimately want the Reds to win and everyone in the ground next week should be doing their best to make that happen.
If the players don’t respond, well then the time for grievances can come when we’re out.
PADDY: I’d be lying if I said I was hopeful.
There’s always the niggling thought in the back of your mind that says ‘if we score first it’s on’.
However, it comes down to the basic fact that they’re really, really good and we’re really, really not. We might score on the night, but the chances of keeping them out are negligible at best.
No doubt they’ll give it a go in what could be the manager’s last true big game in charge, but ultimately I think this squad doesn’t have it in them.
It’s not 2019 anymore.
ABI: There’s always a chance when the second leg is at Anfield.
If you’re going to the ground with no hope then you shouldn’t be going. Anfield needs to be well up for it so we need to make sure to do our part.
You can’t ever write Liverpool off at Anfield in Europe!