Liverpool Still Have Work to Do After Smash-and-Grab Display in Paris - Slot

Liverpool managed to escape Paris with a narrow win, but head coach Arne Slot admitted his team still has a lot to improve if they want to seriously challenge for the Champions League crown this season.

Scrappy Victory in Paris

Facing Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Liverpool pulled off a smash-and-grab victory — one that relied heavily on defensive resilience and a moment of brilliance from their attacking stars. However, the performance left many questions unanswered.

“We were fortunate at times,” Slot confessed. “There were spells where PSG dominated possession and put us under intense pressure.”

Defensive Concerns Persist

Despite the win, Liverpool’s backline looked fragile, especially against PSG’s quick counters. Slot acknowledged that defensive organization and transitions need significant sharpening ahead of the second leg at Anfield.

“When you play teams of this quality, every mistake can be punished. We have to be much better with and without the ball,” Slot added.

Salah and Nunez Deliver Again

Liverpool’s frontline continues to be their saving grace, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez combining for the crucial away goal. Slot praised their clinical finishing, but warned that relying solely on individual brilliance will not be enough to progress deeper into the competition.

Tough Road Ahead

With the second leg at Anfield approaching, Slot insists his players must raise their level if they want to avoid an early exit. PSG, even when wounded, possess the firepower to turn the tie around.

“We are happy with the result, but the performance has to improve,” Slot said. “The Champions League demands perfection, and we are not there yet.”