Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed his team’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain as the “best game of football” he has ever been part of, despite their heartbreaking exit on penalties.
After securing a 1-0 victory in Paris through Harvey Elliott’s late goal, Liverpool saw their advantage erased at Anfield when Ousmane Dembélé equalized on aggregate.
The tie was ultimately decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, where PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied both Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones before Désiré Doué converted the decisive spot-kick.
“It was the best game of football I was ever involved in,” Slot reflected post-match.
“I don’t have Liverpool’s long history as a manager, but this was two teams at an incredible level. The intensity, especially in the first 25 minutes, was unbelievable.”
Slot compared the opening spell to previous high-energy performances against Manchester City and Real Madrid but admitted disappointment at trailing 1-0 despite the team’s strong start.
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“Over 90 minutes, I don’t think we deserved to lose. Over 180 minutes, extra time was probably fair. In extra time, PSG may have edged it slightly, and then it came down to penalties, where we fell short.”
Liverpool had topped the Champions League league phase with seven wins from eight matches and remain dominant in the Premier League, sitting 15 points clear at the summit. Despite the painful exit, Slot sought to emphasize the progress made.
“Of course, it’s tough to take, but last season we weren’t even in the Champions League.
The season before, we were eliminated 5-2 at home by Real Madrid. If you have to go out, then go out the way we did fighting against one of Europe’s best teams.
“It’s unfortunate that finishing first in the league phase meant facing PSG, but that’s the format. We have to accept it and come back stronger next season.”
Liverpool must quickly shift focus to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, though their preparations could be hampered by injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté were both forced off during the PSG clash.
“Ibou was more fatigue than injury, but Trent had to come off, which is never a good sign,” Slot admitted.
“From what I’ve heard, the images don’t look great, so I’d be surprised if he’s available for Sunday.
“The good thing is we have a final to play. Mentally, that’s the best thing you can ask for because these are the games you dream of playing in.”
Liverpool’s Sunday clash with Newcastle could be a decisive moment for Arne Slot, as a victory would bringing Slot closer to a remarkable double in his first campaign in charge.
