‘Sends out the wrong signals’: Arne Slot criticised over tactical call in PSG defeat | OneFootball

Liverpool lost 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Desire Doue gave PSG an early lead, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sealed the victory in the second half, putting the French side in control of the tie.

The result was Liverpool’s worst defeat in European competition against a French side in 29 years.

Manager Arne Slot deployed a defensive 5-3-2 formation, but that could not prevent PSG from creating several chances. The French giants registered 18 shots.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson criticised Slot for his tactical approach.

He told the BBC: “That was our champions against their champions. Our champions were nowhere near.

“Obviously, Liverpool are not in a good run of form and the confidence is very low. They are a team which is creaking, hence why they played a back five. Soon as they played a back five, it sends out the wrong signals for me.

“It is not playing to Liverpool’s strengths, and it is defending their weaknesses. In Hakimi, Mendes, Kvaratskhelia, and Doue – Arne Slot knew the problems his team would have in the wide areas.”

PSG’s wastefulness in front of goal and Giorgi Mamardashvili’s heroics prevented the Reds from suffering an heavy defeat for a second consecutive game.

Liverpool also struggled offensively, mustering just three attempts, none of which were on target.

It was the first time the Reds had failed to register a shot on target in the competition since 2020.

Liverpool must now turn attention to Saturday’s Premier League home clash with Fulham. They need a win to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.