Liverpool Fans Point to Slot’s Selection Errors in Champions League Exit Against PSG
Liverpool’s Champions League journey came to a disappointing end as Arne Slot’s side suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. Despite entering the second leg with a 1-0 aggregate advantage, the Reds couldn’t capitalize on their home advantage and ultimately bowed out of the competition.
PSG quickly erased Liverpool’s first-leg lead when Ousmane Dembele pounced on a defensive error from Ibrahima Konate just 12 minutes into the match. The equalizer set the tone for what would become a tense European night at Anfield.
Both goalkeepers delivered standout performances throughout the contest. Alisson, who had been exceptional in Paris, made several crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the tie. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced equally impressive stops for PSG, including a remarkable save to deny Luis Diaz’s goal-bound header during normal time.
Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny
Following the defeat, Liverpool supporters have highlighted what they believe were two critical selection errors made by manager Arne Slot:
- Starting Luis Diaz despite his recent inconsistent form
- Selecting Diogo Jota rather than exploring alternative attacking options
Many fans expressed frustration at Federico Chiesa’s limited playing time, questioning why the Italian winger wasn’t given an opportunity to impact the match given Diaz’s struggles on the night.
One supporter wrote: “Why Slot started Diaz and Jota is beyond me,” while another commented: “Slot starting Diaz and Jota every game when he doesn’t have to.”
The penalty shootout proved decisive when both Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones failed to convert their spot-kicks. In contrast, PSG displayed remarkable composure, with Desire Doue scoring the winning penalty to send the French champions through to the quarter-finals.
After the match, Slot must now refocus his squad on their remaining season objectives:
- The upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley
- Maintaining their 15-point advantage over Arsenal in the Premier League title race
For PSG, the victory marks their second consecutive Champions League quarter-final appearance. Luis Enrique’s team will look to improve on last season’s semi-final exit to Borussia Dortmund as they continue their pursuit of European glory.
The result raises questions about Liverpool’s squad depth and rotation policy under Slot. With Chiesa waiting in the wings and other attacking options available, the manager’s selection decisions will likely face continued scrutiny as the season progresses.
What’s your take on Slot’s team selection? Could different attacking options have changed Liverpool’s Champions League fate? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and follow our coverage of Liverpool’s remaining campaign as they pursue domestic success.