“It’s not good enough at all” – Liverpool slammed for performance against PSG | OneFootball

Liverpool Outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain as Champions League Run Ends

The Media Matters podcast from Anfield Index, featuring Dave Davis and Lewis Steele, delivered a blunt assessment of Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, a result that sealed a 4-0 aggregate exit from the Champions League quarter finals.

Far from bad luck or fine margins, the discussion pointed to a clear and worrying gap between the two sides.

PSG Superiority Clear Across Both Legs

Steele was unequivocal in his verdict. “The best team by far won,” he said, dismissing any attempt to dress up the performance. While some positives were noted in spells at Anfield, the broader picture remained stark.

“If you’re having a positive half an hour over the course of a hundred and eighty minute match, then I don’t think that is quite good enough. It’s not good enough at all.”

That assessment cut through any optimism surrounding Liverpool’s brief resurgence early in the second half. Instead, the tie was framed as largely one sided, with Steele adding, “Liverpool were absolutely played off the park for, I would say, a hundred and fifty of the hundred and eighty minutes.”

Missed Chances and Low Quality Attacking

A key theme in the conversation was Liverpool’s inability to turn possession and pressure into meaningful opportunities. Despite registering multiple attempts, the quality of those chances was questioned.

Steele acknowledged the volume but highlighted the issue, “They create a high volume of shots… but were just low quality shots.”

He also pointed out that despite a handful of moments, clear cut opportunities were scarce, “I don’t remember Safonov being too busy,” reinforcing the idea that PSG were rarely under sustained threat.

Even when momentum briefly shifted, there was a lack of belief. As discussed on the podcast, Liverpool “had a lot of half chances, but never really looked like scoring that much.”

Tactical Issues and Selection Decisions

Attention quickly turned to Arne Slot and his decisions on the night. Steele was critical of several key calls, particularly in team selection.

“The biggest call that he got wrong was not starting Salah for me,” he said, before concluding, “The pre match calls were bad.”

There was also confusion over player roles, with what Davis described as “a few bizarre calls” contributing to a disjointed performance. Steele’s summary was direct, “Wrong calls from Slot. Again.”

These decisions, combined with ongoing tactical concerns, added to a sense that Liverpool were not set up to compete effectively with PSG over two legs.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield Battle and Game Control Lost

Another decisive factor was the midfield contest, where PSG’s control proved overwhelming. Steele explained, “The midfield battle has been lost in most of the big games,” placing this defeat within a wider pattern.

Even when PSG were not at their sharpest, Liverpool failed to capitalise. “Liverpool were just being so wasteful when they got it,” Steele noted, highlighting repeated turnovers after regaining possession.

The contrast in composure was evident, with PSG able to dictate tempo and absorb pressure without appearing troubled.

A Damning Indicator of Liverpool Decline

Ultimately, the podcast framed the result as more than a single bad night. Instead, it was presented as evidence of a broader regression.

Steele made that clear with a pointed reflection, “The team has gone backwards but I think this was something to prove it really.”

For a side that competed closely with PSG the previous year, the scale of this defeat raised serious questions about direction, recruitment and performance levels.

Liverpool’s Champions League exit, sealed by a 2-0 defeat at Anfield and a 4-0 aggregate loss, now stands as a defining moment in a season that continues to unravel.