Liverpool manager Arne Slot described his team’s dramatic Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as “the best game of football I’ve ever been involved in,” despite the disappointment of elimination. After a 1-0 first-leg defeat in Paris, Liverpool responded at Anfield with an early goal from Ousmane Dembele, leveling the tie on aggregate. Throughout the match, Liverpool created numerous scoring opportunities but ultimately failed to convert them. The game extended into extra time and was finally decided by a penalty shootout, where PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves against Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones. PSG’s Desire Doue sealed a 4-1 penalty win for the French side. Reflecting on the game, Slot emphasized Liverpool’s strong performance, acknowledging the fine margins that decided the contest. He likened the match to the first leg in Paris, where PSG had dominated but struggled to score.
Despite the Champions League disappointment, Liverpool still has a chance to secure a domestic double. They maintain a commanding 15-point lead in the Premier League and are set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Team captain Virgil van Dijk admitted that Liverpool knew facing PSG would be a tough challenge, but he was pleased with the team’s effort despite the outcome. Left-back Andy Robertson stressed the importance of shifting focus to the cup final, noting that while the loss was disappointing, the squad must regroup quickly. Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged Liverpool’s performance, stating that both teams deserved to progress. He praised his squad’s resilience in a challenging atmosphere at Anfield, commending their character and ability to handle pressure.
Liverpool’s preparations for the Carabao Cup final may be further complicated by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. The England defender was forced off in the second half after appearing to jar his knee in a challenge with Vitinha. Slot expressed concern about the severity of the injury, suggesting that it “didn’t look very good” and casting doubt on Alexander-Arnold’s availability for Sunday’s final. The right-back had already missed last season’s EFL Cup final against Chelsea, and his absence could be a significant blow for Liverpool. England manager Thomas Tuchel is also set to announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania, and Alexander-Arnold’s injury may affect his selection. As Liverpool aims for silverware on multiple fronts, managing injuries and maintaining focus will be crucial in the coming weeks.
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