Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a significant update on the fitness of new signing Alexander Isak, while addressing skipper Virgil van Dijk’s pointed criticism of the team’s mentality following their humiliating 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.
The Reds travel to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, arriving on the back of one of their most demoralising results of the season.
In his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed that Isak will not start against PSG but remains in contention to make an impact from the bench. The Sweden international has travelled with the squad to Paris after being named in a Liverpool matchday squad for the first time since suffering a fractured leg against Tottenham in December.
Isak returned to first-team training last week but was deliberately left out of the squad for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. Slot explained the decision and the current situation clearly:
“He finished close to a week of team training sessions; he can play a part, otherwise I wouldn’t take him. I didn’t take him to the Etihad because we felt he wasn’t able to get a performance yet. We think we can get a performance out of him now, but not to start.”
The former Newcastle United forward’s potential return adds a timely boost to Liverpool’s attacking options as they prepare to face a formidable PSG side in their own backyard.
Despite going into the tie as firm underdogs, Slot refused to accept the narrative of inevitability, insisting the tie remains wide open over two legs.
“I don’t think it matters if there is a favourite. It’s only about two games, a lot can happen in two games. Both teams have very good players, and last season showed they could go toe to toe,” Slot said.
Reflecting on last season’s Champions League encounters with PSG, the Dutchman noted: “Last season I think we deserved to lose here 4-0, but that game was only thanks to Alisson that we didn’t lose 4-0. At Anfield I think we deserved to win that game. The difference between these two teams is that PSG kept the group together. I think our team will look different to the team that was here last season.”
Slot also responded directly to comments made by captain Virgil van Dijk after the Manchester City thrashing. The Dutch centre-back had claimed that Liverpool players “gave up” once they fell 3-0 behind shortly after half-time.
Slot offered a measured but supportive response, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment without fully endorsing the idea that his players had quit.
“Sometimes in a game of football you want to do things in a certain way but are not able to for various reasons. But one of them can definitely be conceding goals when you think you are playing well and are in the game. Usually in football, moments that hurt you most are just before half-time and just after,” he explained.
“Immediately after half-time we went 3-0 down. Then I saw five minutes where we were too open and players were struggling. The good thing was after 4-0 that City seemed to be happy with that and we had constant ball possession so they weren’t able to create many more chances. I didn’t see players giving up but it is good for a captain to have a strong and firm reaction after a game like that. Hopefully it is not only immediately after the game and that, as a team we can show a strong and firm reaction tomorrow evening.”
With Isak’s gradual return providing fresh hope and Slot demanding a strong response in Paris, Liverpool will be looking to defy the odds and produce a performance that restores belief ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
The first leg promises to be a fascinating encounter, as the Reds aim to prove that this season’s squad evolution can bridge the gap against Europe’s elite.