Liverpool Must Be Absolutely Spot On To Turn PSG Tie, Van Dijk Warns

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk accepted that Liverpool must be "absolutely spot on" at Anfield if they are to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final, after a one-sided first leg at the Parc des Princes left Arne Slot’s team under heavy pressure.

PSG struck early through Desire Doue’s deflected shot in the 11th minute, then controlled long spells of the game before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made it 2-0 just after the hour, finishing calmly past Giorgi Mamardashvili from Joao Neves’ precise pass in behind, leaving Liverpool with a difficult task next Tuesday.

Across the 90 minutes, PSG created far more danger, recording 18 attempts and an expected goals figure of 2.2, while Liverpool managed only three efforts, with an xG of 0.18 and no shot on target, something that last happened to Liverpool in the Champions League against Atalanta in November 2020.

PSG also appealed for a penalty when Ibrahima Konate challenged Desire Doue inside the area, but the referee waved play on, yet Luis Enrique’s side still secured a strong advantage to take to Merseyside, where the second leg at Anfield will decide which club reaches the Champions League semi-finals.

Liverpool adjusted shape for this game, using a back five from the start, with Virgil van Dijk flanked by Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez in central positions, while Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong operated as wing-backs, an approach designed to cope with PSG’s movement across the front line.

Van Dijk admitted Liverpool spent most of the contest defending deep around their own box, often with many players behind the ball, but still allowed clear chances for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, with Kvaratskhelia missing opportunities before finally converting from Neves’ through-ball on 61 minutes.

"Tough, tough work. Always expected. I think we defended with a lot of bodies around the box, Van Dijk told TNT Sports. Unfortunately, the first goal is a deflection. We get some small moments on the break where we could have done better.But now it's a quick turnaround, and we have Fulham waiting for us as well."

Liverpool vs PSG Champions League match numbers and historical context

The defeat extended Liverpool’s poor away sequence, with the club now beaten in four successive away fixtures in all competitions, their worst such run since a spell between February and April 2012, and it also continued a wider downturn, as Liverpool have lost three straight matches in all competitions for the third time this season.

Those three separate losing runs of three matches mirror a campaign last seen in 1953-54, when Liverpool were relegated from the top flight, and the latest sequence adds to scrutiny on head coach Arne Slot, whose side must respond quickly against Fulham domestically and PSG in Europe.

Liverpool vs PSG Champions League reaction from Van Dijk and Slot

When asked what Liverpool must change at Anfield, Van Dijk stressed the importance of precision and the impact of the home support, saying: "We have to be absolutely spot on. Hopefully, our fans can play a big part in that. Our fans are the backbone of the club, and hopefully they can be there for us."

Van Dijk also explained the thinking behind the back-five system against Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking rotation: "They always move around everywhere,Van Dijk said on Liverpool's decision to play with five defenders. We have to communicate and follow your man and take risks in that sense.As well as waiting for the right moment to win the ball. Hopefully, we can be much better, especially in possession, at Anfield."

Slot shared Van Dijk’s view that the scoreline could have been worse, given PSG’s chances, saying: "If you reflect on the whole game, I think we were lucky with only losing 2-0, Slot said. The first goal felt harsh. I think it is very good for us that we are still in the tie, we can bring them to Anfield, and we know how good Anfield can be for us."

With Liverpool needing at least two goals at Anfield to keep their Champions League hopes alive, the tie remains open despite PSG’s control in Paris, and both Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot are looking to the home atmosphere, as well as a sharper performance in possession, to change the direction of this quarter-final.