PSG boss insists his side will triumph at Anfield despite Alisson’s heroics in Paris
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was left frustrated and defiant after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, calling the loss “many times unfair” while vowing to turn the tables in the return leg at Anfield. Despite dominating the match with 27 shots and 10 on target, PSG were thwarted by a sensational performance from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who made a string of stunning saves to keep the French giants at bay.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott scored with his first touch of the game, securing a smash-and-grab victory for the Reds. The result leaves PSG with a mountain to climb in the second leg on March 11, but Enrique remains confident his team can overturn the deficit.
“My feelings right now…it’s difficult to think about the match in a positive way because I think we deserved to win, clearly. We created a lot of chances,” Enrique told TNT Sports after the match. “I think it’s one of the best matches we’ve played in the Champions League this season. When the best player of Liverpool was their goalkeeper, Alisson, football is many times unfair, and we have to accept that. But we are ready to go to Liverpool!”
Enrique praised his players for their efforts and insisted they have nothing to lose heading into the second leg. “We don’t have anything to lose. I think we’ve overcome Liverpool. Liverpool is the best team in Europe, and today they created one or two chances maximum, while we created a lot. I feel proud of my players, my team, and the supporters,” he said.
The PSG boss also acknowledged Liverpool’s quality, describing them as a “top team” with “top players,” but he believes his side can rise to the challenge at Anfield. When asked if PSG could win the second leg, Enrique responded emphatically: “Of course! We are going to do it!”
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side were fortunate to leave Paris with a win, crediting Alisson for his heroics but expressing frustration with aspects of his team’s performance. “We faced a team that is so, so good in ball possession and has great wingers who dominate one-on-one situations,” Slot said. “I always knew we wouldn’t dominate possession here, but there were moments when we could have been more clinical. That’s what frustrated me the most.”
Slot also reserved special praise for Alisson, calling him “the best goalkeeper in the world” and highlighting his crucial role in the victory. “I’ve never worked with a goalkeeper at this level before,” Slot said. “He showed today why he is the best. Normally, when you defend so much, you come away with a loss, but Alisson made sure we left with a win.”
Despite the result, Slot knows the tie is far from over. “We have to improve for the second leg,” he said. “PSG are a fantastic team, and we know it will be another tough game at Anfield.”
As the two teams prepare for the decisive second leg, PSG will be hoping to replicate their attacking dominance while finding a way past the formidable Alisson. For Liverpool, the challenge will be to build on their narrow advantage and secure a place in the quarter-finals. With both managers confident in their teams, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Anfield.
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