PSG defeat showed that Liverpool players ‘no longer believe in the manager’ | OneFootball

Liverpool Outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League Reality Check

Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter final first leg felt, in truth, heavier than the scoreline suggested. Speaking on Anfield Index’s Post-Match RAW podcast, host Guy Drinkel was joined by Jim Boardman and Hari Sethi to dissect a night that exposed deeper issues.

Sethi captured the emotional numbness early, admitting the match “just kind of washed over me like a weird numbing kind of” experience. It was not shock, nor anger, but resignation. Even the result flattered Liverpool. As Sethi put it, “remarkable that we came away with it just being 2-0”.

Boardman went further, delivering the bluntest assessment of the night. “That should have been six or seven nil,” he said, highlighting how PSG’s inefficiency masked Liverpool’s struggles. In Champions League terms, this was a warning shot.

Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny

Much of the analysis inevitably turned towards Liverpool’s setup. The decision to deploy a back five drew heavy criticism. Boardman described it as “a five at the back with no ambition, no intention of attacking”.

Sethi echoed that sentiment, calling the performance “a reimagining of Rodgers’ approach in the Bernabeu”, but with a crucial difference. “We did this tonight with a team of a huge amount of quality and we made that team look like so much less than the sum of its parts.”

Photo: IMAGO

There was also visible confusion on the pitch. Sethi noted players were “visibly confused… arguing with each other”, underlining the lack of preparation for such a system. In elite Champions League football, that margin for error is brutally exposed.

Quality Gap Exposed by Paris Saint-Germain

PSG’s superiority was clear throughout. Their fluid attack and cohesion stood in stark contrast to Liverpool’s disjointed approach.

Boardman acknowledged the inevitability of conceding, saying, “it was inevitable that they were going to score from that sort of chance”. The opening goal, even with a deflection, felt like a consequence rather than misfortune.

Sethi highlighted the psychological dimension, describing Liverpool as “effectively a zombie team at the moment”. More concerningly, he added, “they no longer believe in this project and they no longer believe in the manager”.

Against a side like Paris Saint-Germain, that lack of belief becomes fatal. PSG played with control, composure and clarity, while Liverpool appeared reactive and uncertain.

Key Moments Reflect Deeper Problems

There were moments that summed up Liverpool’s night. A rare attacking opportunity broke down due to poor execution, reinforcing Sethi’s point about “a lack of confidence in a plan”.

Boardman, reflecting on Liverpool’s attacking struggles, urged simplicity. “Have a go at scoring. Have a go,” he said, frustrated by the absence of directness.

Even individual performances were framed by systemic issues. On Florian Wirtz, Boardman observed, “it’s almost like we’ve done a reverse… what the hell are you doing with him?” suggesting players are not being used effectively.

Substitutions also raised eyebrows. Sethi described the decision-making as “petty” and “personal”, particularly regarding Mohamed Salah, adding, “you need a knife… someone who can be decisive”.

Second Leg Hope or False Dawn?

Despite the deficit, the tie is not mathematically over. Yet the tone of the podcast suggested limited belief in a turnaround.

Boardman pointed to the absence of a defining reaction, saying moments that should spark comebacks now lead to relief. “At least it’s still only 2-0,” he said, illustrating a shift in mentality.

Sethi was even more direct about what is required, stating the club needs “a shot of adrenaline in the neck”. Without it, Liverpool risk drifting further, both in this Champions League tie and beyond.