PSG Lessons Not Learned as Dressing Room Stance Emerges Ahead of Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly “more confident than ever” about overturning their 1-0 deficit against Liverpool and securing a place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night.
The French champions will travel to Anfield trailing by a goal after Harvey Elliott’s late strike gave the Reds an unexpected victory in Paris last week.
Liverpool have a formidable record when holding a first-leg advantage in European competitions, having progressed on all 39 previous occasions after winning away from home. Elliott’s goal could prove decisive in this tie, especially with the Anfield crowd providing a significant boost to Jürgen Klopp’s side.
However, PSG appear unfazed by Liverpool’s historical dominance. Reports suggest the Parisian club has grown in confidence following their performance in the first leg, where they largely controlled proceedings despite the defeat.
Luis Enrique’s team registered 27 shots compared to Liverpool’s two, with Alisson Becker producing a stunning display between the posts. The Brazilian goalkeeper made nine crucial saves and later admitted that it might have been the best performance of his career.
There are also suggestions that PSG were “surprised by Liverpool’s level” and view both Bayern Munich and Arsenal—whom Liverpool faced in the group stage—as more complete teams. This belief has only strengthened their conviction that they can turn the tie around in the second leg.
Additionally, PSG were reportedly frustrated by what they perceived as time-wasting tactics from Liverpool during the match. The players are now said to be “obsessed” with the return leg and are eager to prove themselves at Anfield.
“Despite the defeat, they are more confident (about qualifying) now than they were before the match,” a club source told the famed French publication L’Équipe.
The statements align with the reactions of PSG’s players following their unexpected defeat on Wednesday, with several key figures publicly expressing their belief that the tie can still be won at Anfield.
Vitinha, Willian Pacho, and Achraf Hakimi, along with the visibly frustrated Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, all voiced confidence that PSG would overturn the deficit when they face Liverpool on Merseyside.
Manager Luis Enrique also demonstrated his determination to secure victory by making significant changes to his squad during PSG’s 4-1 win over Rennes on Saturday.
Enrique made eight alterations from the midweek clash, with Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola, and Willian Pacho the only players to retain their places in the starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Rennes.
Several high-profile names, including Ousmane Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Fabián Ruiz, Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes, were left on the bench. Notably, captain Marquinhos was absent from the matchday squad altogether.
“I think we’ll be in the best possible shape for the Liverpool game,” Enrique told reporters after the game. “Our only objective is victory and that’s what we’re going for.
“Football allows for surprises; it is true that we were down and sad after the (first-leg) game but as we have analysed the game and after beating Rennes, which is a difficult team, it makes us hopeful.
“I repeat, we have nothing to lose, which makes us a more dangerous team than we usually are.”
PSG have received an additional boost with the appointment of Istvan Kovacs as the referee for their clash against Liverpool. The Hungarian official oversaw PSG’s dramatic comeback against Barcelona last season, when they overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit. Kovacs has only refereed one Liverpool match—a 5-2 home defeat to Real Madrid in 2023.
Despite PSG’s growing confidence, they could still be caught off guard by Liverpool’s intensity at Anfield. While Luis Enrique’s side dominated the first leg, the Champions League is filled with examples of teams underestimating the powerful influence of Liverpool’s home stadium on both the hosts and their opponents.
PSG’s previous visit to Anfield ended in dramatic fashion, with Roberto Firmino scoring a last-minute winner. That same season, Neymar’s dismissive comments about Liverpool came back to haunt him as the Reds went on to lift the Champions League trophy.
This season, Liverpool have scored at least two goals in all but one of their home matches. Arne Slot’s side has already defeated the reigning champions of England, Spain, Germany, and Europe, highlighting their formidable home form.
If Liverpool continue to perform as they have throughout the campaign, PSG may once again be surprised by the true strength of their opponents.
In other news, Liverpool Have Eyes Set on Mo Salah’s ‘Heir’ with 33 Goals & 21 Assists; ‘Ready to Offer’ £67m
