Arne Slot confident Liverpool can handle PSG challenge in high-stakes Champions League clash

Arne Slot asserts that Liverpool should approach their match at the Parc des Princes with confidence as he readies his Premier League title contenders for a significant Champions League encounter against the dominant Ligue 1 leaders, Paris Saint-Germain.

Slot's team is set to advance in their pursuit of a first Champions League title since 2019, facing PSG in the first leg of the last-16 on Wednesday.

The six-time European champions have experienced defeats in both of their previous matches against PSG, occurring in 1997 and 2018.

However, Liverpool has only suffered four losses across all competitions this season, with just one defeat in the Champions League—against PSV Eindhoven in their final group stage match, a game in which they had already secured qualification for the knockout stage.

The Reds topped their group with seven victories out of eight matches, including a notable 2-0 win against the reigning champions, Real Madrid, and have demonstrated similar dominance in domestic competitions.

Fueled by the exceptional performance of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Slot's squad holds a 13-point lead at the summit of the Premier League as they aim for a record-equalling 20th English title.

Additionally, Liverpool has the opportunity to secure their first trophy under Slot when they compete against Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16.

With 20 wins, the Reds have achieved more league victories than any other team in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Following a brief setback, Liverpool regained their momentum with two consecutive 2-0 victories over Manchester City and Newcastle, bringing them closer to Premier League success.

They also enjoyed a weekend of rest prior to the PSG match due to their early elimination from the FA Cup.

It is clear why Slot emphasized that Liverpool should not harbor any fears regarding their upcoming trip to Paris.

"Do we fear PSG? We don't fear anybody. But I'm impressed by their quality, they are on an upwards curve a bit similar to ours at the moment," he said.

"I don't think the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid fear opponents.

"But we definitely respect them and there's a reason for that. They won so many games in a row and they have so many quality players."

Paris Saint-Germain, much like Liverpool, is advancing steadily towards securing the French championship, having established a 13-point advantage due to an impressive unbeaten streak of 24 matches in Ligue 1 this season.

But Luis Enrique's team have been less formidable in the Champions League, where they were forced into the play-off round after defeats against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich left them in 15th place.

PSG has arranged the highly anticipated clash with Liverpool by decisively defeating the lesser-known Brest with an aggregate score of 10-0 in the play-offs.

Confronting Liverpool presents a challenge of a significantly different scale, and Enrique fully recognizes the dangers they represent, characterizing the encounter between these European giants as an event more appropriate for a final.

"I know Liverpool very well, without a doubt they are the team in the best form in Europe both in terms of results and play," he said.

"It could have been a Champions League final. We're going to try to do it with our weapons."

With the second leg scheduled at Anfield on March 11, Liverpool may consider adopting a conservative strategy in Paris, capitalizing on the electrifying atmosphere generated by their supporters during European matches.

However, Slot's conviction that the first leg will appeal to football purists indicates that he will instruct Liverpool to play with an offensive mindset at the Parc des Princes.

"It's going to be a very interesting game for everybody who loves football," said the Dutchman.

"I would be surprised if people who are neutral watch a different game than that one because I think everyone, including Paris Saint-Germain and us, are looking forward to the game."