Arne Slot says Liverpool were ‘lucky to only lose 2-0’ after a dull and lacklustre performance in Paris where they were played off the park by the reigning Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot set the Reds up with a defensive back five to try an nullify PSG’s attacking qualities but the hosts opened the scoring after Desire Doue’s deflected shot looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili in Liverpool’s goal.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s individual brilliance double PSG’s lead in the second half but it was the Georgian goalkeeper who ensured matters were not worse for Liverpool with a series of fine saves to keep the scoreline managable.
Liverpool will now have to overturn the deficit in next week’s second leg and Slot is hopeful that that match will not reflect the performance he saw tonight.
“If you reflect on the whole game I think we should be lucky only losing 2-0,” the Liverpool boss told TNT Sports after the game.
“They had more chances than the only goals they scored. The first goal fell hard as we had hardly let anything away but then a deflected shot goes in.
“They had enough chances to score more, and I think it’s very good for us that we’re still in the tie. We can now bring them to Anfield, and we all know how much of a difference Anfield can make for us.
“I stood here similarly last season although we won 1-0. The game was exactly the same and the game at Anfield was completely different so we’re happy to still be in this tie.”
Despite he disappointment, Slot was quick to praise Mamardashvili’s performance and compared his effort to Bayern Munich’s exceptional shot-stopper Manuel Neuer.
Slot added: “Very crucial [Mamardashvili’s saves]. I watched the game yesterday between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and I saw Manuel Neuer be very crucial for Bayern making a lot of good saves and I think Giorgi had that for us.
“You need performances like that against Paris Saint-Germain. You need a hard-working team that tries to do everything to prevent them from scoring, but it was difficult. The moment when we needed Giorgi, he was there for us. He played a very good game today.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s captain spoke about the change in formation and whether he felt it helped or hindered Liverpool’s performance.
"Tough, tough work. Always expected,” Virgil van Dijk said.
“I think we defended with a lot of bodies around the box. Unfortunately, the first goal is a deflection. We get some small moments on the break where we could have done better.
"They [PSG} always move around everywhere. We have to communicate and follow your man and take risks in that sense. As well and wait for the right moment to win the ball. Hopefully, we can be much better, especially possession at Anfield.”
