Slot machine ready to roll in mouthwatering PSG test

Arne Slot says Liverpool has nothing to fear at the Parc des Princes as he prepares his Premier League title favorite for a blockbuster Champions League clash against runaway Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain.

Slot's side takes the next step in its bid for a first Champions League crown since 2019 when it faces PSG in the last-16 first leg on Wednesday.

The six-time European champion lost on both its previous visits to PSG, in 1997 and 2018.

But Liverpool has been beaten just four times in all competitions this season and only once in the Champions League — against PSV Eindhoven in its final league-phase game, when it had already qualified for the last 16.

The Reds finished first in the league phase with seven wins from eight games, including a 2-0 success against holder Real Madrid, and have been equally dominant on the domestic stage.

Inspired by the sublime form of Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, Slot's men are 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they close in on a record-equaling 20th English title.

Liverpool can also win the first trophy of the Slot era when it faces Newcastle in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16.

With 20 victories, the Reds have won more league games than any team in Europe's top five leagues so far this season.

After a recent wobble, Liverpool got back on track with a pair of 2-0 wins against Manchester City and Newcastle that took it a giant step closer to Premier League glory.

It also benefited from a weekend off to rest before the PSG tie due to its early exit from the FA Cup.

No wonder Slot made it clear Liverpool has no reason to feel any trepidation about its 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."

Could have been the final

Like Liverpool, PSG is marching relentlessly towards the French title, opening up a 13-point lead in Ligue 1 thanks to a 24-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this season.

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

PSG set up the eagerly anticipated showdown against Liverpool by demolishing unheralded Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.

Facing Liverpool is a challenge of a different magnitude and Enrique is well aware of the threat it poses, describing the meeting of European powerhouses as an occasion more fitting 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 at Anfield on March 11, Liverpool could be tempted to take a cautious approach in Paris before feeding off the frenzied atmosphere created by its fans on European nights.

But Slot's belief that the first leg will be one for soccer purists to admire suggested he will send out Liverpool with attacking intent 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."

AFP