Liverpool suffered a heavy defeat to PSG in the Champions League, but the level of performance proved alarming as Jamie Carragher commented that it didn’t look like two top teams going head to head.
Jamie Carragher was wary of the gap between the two teams (Image: CBS Sports Golazo/YouTube)
Jamie Carragher confessed that watching Liverpool lose to PSG was “like watching a lower division team” and said there was such a disconnect in class on Wednesday night.
The Reds left the Parc des Princes having lost the first leg 2-0, but the nature of their performance suggests they could have done more damage. PSG scored in the first half and second half, first through Désirée Douet and then with an impressive goal from Hviča Kvaratschelia to double their lead.
Considering Liverpool’s struggles this season and PSG’s status as European champions, Liverpool were always going to be the underdogs heading into a draw, but the difference between the two sides worried Carragher, who said he couldn’t believe the difference 12 months ago when the two sides played a close encounter in the knockout stages.
Since then, Arne Slott’s side have fallen off a cliff, with European success being their only remaining hope for a trophy, but despite the upcoming return leg, that looks to be gone for everyone.
Carragher told CBS Sports: “It was like watching a lower division team. From Liverpool’s point of view, the disparity in class was very worrying. In some ways it’s a great result because they should have been fifth or sixth. But considering last season, the disparity between the teams was absolutely astonishing.”
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“Yes, I know Liverpool got beaten up by PSG and won 1-0, but the second leg at Anfield was a close battle between two top teams. Then Liverpool spent £450m, probably a lot more than PSG spent in the summer. It’s worrying when you see the huge gulf there. You wonder how that happened? How did it get so bad?”
Liverpool changed tactics and started with a back five, which is unusual for this team. This adjustment failed to have the desired effect, as PSG were equally dominant, with Carragher feeling that “they were actually more open with their back five than their back four”.
Liverpool’s tactical adjustments failed to have the desired effect (Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Despite the huge gap in class, there is still a draw, but PSG will be heavy favorites to get the job done, even if they have to go to Anfield. Liverpool’s collapse was such that a team like PSV could come to Merseyside this season and win it, but the slot remained challenging.
He said: “We were happy to only lose 2-0 because they had more chances than they scored. But we didn’t concede anything, so the first goal felt tough, but it’s very good that we’re still level. Depending on how much of a difference Anfield can make for us, we can take them to Anfield.”
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