Liverpool still alive – but their season now hangs by a thread
Liverpool Still Alive – But Their Season Now Hangs by a Thread
A Video Clip Failed to Play as PSG Handed Liverpool Another Setback
Liverpool fans who attended the Champions League clash at Manchester City on Saturday were eventually able to leave the stadium after an hour, but those who traveled to Paris for the match faced a far longer ordeal. The French police delayed their departure to clear the home supporters, following PSG’s 2-0 victory that marked the Reds’ 16th defeat of the campaign.
“That was our champions against their champions. Our champions were nowhere near,” remarked former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who was present at Parc des Princes for BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It feels like confidence is at an all-time low,” added Stephen Warnock, a former Liverpool defender, after the team’s dismal first-leg performance in the French capital. This loss, in which Liverpool failed to attempt a single shot on goal, is their first such blank in the competition since 2020.
Liverpool’s European Hopes Teeter on the Edge
Despite the crushing defeat, Liverpool remain in the Champions League round of 16. The possibility of a miraculous turnaround, like the famed 4-0 comeback against Barcelona in 2019, still lingers. Yet Warnock expressed doubt about the team’s current form.
“We’ve seen some memorable European comebacks at Anfield before—like the 3-0 down against Barcelona. But it feels like they are a million miles away from doing anything like that now,” he noted.
PSG’s dominance was evident throughout the match. The French side controlled 74% of possession, registering 18 shots compared to Liverpool’s three. The Reds also struggled with defensive organization, as PSG exploited their lack of creativity and depth. With five defenders on the field, Liverpool’s backline was repeatedly breached, while their attack lacked urgency and precision.
Slot’s Tactical Choices Under Scrutiny
Manager Arne Slot opted for a conservative setup, prioritizing survival over attack. The decision to rest Mohamed Salah, who was not even deployed from the bench, drew criticism. Instead, Alexander Isak returned from injury as a substitute, his first appearance of 2026.
“I think it is better for him to save his energy for games coming up,” Slot explained post-match.
Isak’s introduction offered little relief, as he managed only three touches in the final 18 minutes. Slot’s team has scored just one goal in three games and none in their last two matches, raising concerns about their ability to secure progression. The manager attributed this to a combination of tactical choices and the challenging phase of the season.
A Record Streak and a Season on the Brink
Liverpool’s current away form is their worst since 2012, with four consecutive losses in all competitions. The defeat to PSG further deepened the crisis, as the Reds’ win percentage dropped from 74.4% under Slot in his first 43 games to just 49.2% in the 59 matches since their penalty shootout exit last season.
A French journalist at the game described Liverpool’s approach as reminiscent of a smaller team facing PSG in the Coupe de France. “It was like they were scared,” he added, highlighting the Reds’ reluctance to challenge.
With the second leg approaching, the pressure mounts. While Liverpool cling to the faintest hope of revival, their chances now depend on a performance that could redefine their season. Whether this remains a “special evening at Anfield” or a final straw remains to be seen.
