Manager Arne Slott introduced Mohamed Salah in the first half. (Image: Getty)
Liverpool’s Champions League dreams have been shattered, and with it their faint hopes of winning silver this season. The danger signs were present from the first leg. Arne Slott’s side were lucky to escape a 2-0 deficit and, despite losing 2-0 at Anfield, Paris Saint-Germain progressed to the semi-finals with authority.
Yet as kick-off approached on Merseyside, there was still a flicker of belief. Anfield was full of life and an energy that made the impossible possible. But this time, it doesn’t feel like a comeback is truly within reach, and the blame lies solely with Slott himself.
With a surprisingly simple move, the Dutchman gave PSG a decisive advantage before the ball was even kicked.
Slott was candid about his team selection, revealing that Alexander Isak would only play 45 minutes despite starting the game, effectively announcing his tactical plan to the world. Slot gambling has raised eyebrows as Mohamed Salah remains on the bench. What is his explanation? Goals were needed and Isak provided a physical threat along with Hugo Ekitike.
But in doing so, he gave Luis Enrique exactly what he needed. information.
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PSG knew they would have to endure 45 minutes before Liverpool were forced to make changes. At this level, such leniency is not allowed.
Then, just 32 minutes later, the plan went awry when Ekitike was carried off on a stretcher. Salah was spurred into action and fired within seconds, sparking Liverpool’s most dangerous move of the night. Virgil van Dijk came agonizingly close but was denied by Matvey Safonov and Marquinhos.
The obvious question arose: why wasn’t Salah trusted in the first place?
This is a player made for the grandest stages. Even in a season below his exceptional standards, it’s bordering on absurd to have him out on a night like this.
Alexander Isak only played 45 minutes against PSG. (Image: Getty)
That wasn’t the end of Mr. Slott’s puzzling decisions.
Even though there were no visible injuries, hooking Joe Gomez after just 22 minutes on the pitch posed more than just a tactical confusion. The defender’s furious reaction was telling. In an era when level-headed leadership was needed, the slot actually caused anxiety.
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According to reports, Slott has privately told those close to him that he is prioritizing the Champions League since January.
If true, this collapse will only become even more tragic. I spent three months focused on it, only to end it with a whimper.
Couple that with a disastrous defeat in defending their Premier League title, and this outcome feels inevitable. The writing is no longer just on the wall. It is printed in bold.
The first year of slots promised a lot. But what happened next was nothing short of a collapse.
And now, the spotlight is on FSG. A cruel decision may already be on the horizon.
