Arne Slot has admitted that Liverpool will need a “very special” performance to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Anfield.
Liverpool were comprehensively beaten in the first leg in Paris, failing to register a single shot on target against the reigning European champions, a performance Slot acknowledged must be significantly improved if his side are to progress.
“We know we need an exceptional performance to go to the next round,” Slot said on Monday, adding that Liverpool have shown they can score heavily at home, though he stressed the challenge would require something extraordinary.
The Dutch coach noted that in 49 home matches under his management, Liverpool have scored two or more goals on 36 occasions, but admitted PSG represent a far tougher test than most opponents.
Slot has faced growing scrutiny following a difficult run of results, including Premier League setbacks and an FA Cup exit to Manchester City, though a 2-0 win over Fulham at the weekend offered brief relief.
With pressure mounting ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton on Sunday, Liverpool’s immediate focus is on staging a Champions League comeback.
“We are playing the champions of Europe, so the task is difficult but not impossible,” Slot said, urging his team to start aggressively and shift momentum early.
He added that controlling possession would be key, noting PSG dominated the first leg, holding the ball for the majority of the match and limiting Liverpool’s attacking threat.
“The last time we faced each other they had the ball for 76 percent of the time,” he said, stressing the need for Liverpool to retain possession more effectively at Anfield.
Slot insisted his tactical approach would not be radically different but acknowledged that execution must be sharper if Liverpool are to produce a turnaround and reach the semi-finals.
