Nina Kauser: “You Can’t Say We’re the Best Fans and Then Bring No Atmosphere” | OneFootball

Liverpool v PSG: Attacking Depth, Fan Impact, and Anfield’s Letdown

Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG sparked heated discussion on Anfield Index’s Euro Incision Podcast, as Nina Kauser and Guy Drinkel dissected the performance, the club’s attacking limitations, and the disappointing atmosphere at Anfield.

Liverpool’s Attack Lacked Conviction

From the outset, Kauser did not shy away from her assessment: “I know people think that Liverpool was the better team at Anfield… I didn’t really see it.”

Drinkel largely agreed but noted Liverpool’s dominance in spells: “For the majority of the 90 minutes, we were the better side, but extra time will skew it… as soon as we took off Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, I don’t think we touched the ball.”

One of the key talking points was Liverpool’s attacking indecision, with Luis Díaz singled out for his hesitancy in front of goal. Kauser recalled a crucial moment: “Diaz decides to cut in, not back himself, and instead of shooting, he just lays it off. I really miss Sadio Mané.”

Drinkel was equally frustrated, stating: “That kind of indecision and not backing yourself is why we didn’t deserve to win.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite Mohamed Salah improving in this game, Drinkel noted: “Salah was dreadful in Paris, and all the goal-scoring pressure was on him again.” This over-reliance on one player was a major concern.

Attacking Depth a Growing Concern

With Liverpool’s front line under scrutiny, Drinkel posed an unsettling question: “Out of the front line, the only ones you’d say you’d really want to keep next season are Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo.”

This led to a broader discussion on Liverpool’s attacking depth. Jota and Núñez both came under criticism, with Drinkel stating: “Jota looks like he’s ready to learn Arabic… we’re just waiting for his next injury.”

As for Núñez’s impact off the bench? “Núñez came on and fizzled out within 15 minutes. I forgot he was playing.”

Liverpool’s lack of attacking quality beyond Salah was further highlighted when comparing them to PSG’s options. Drinkel noted: “They bring on Bradley Barcola, who was amazing when he came on. Would Díaz or Darwin make as big an impact as he did? I don’t think so.”

Kauser made her stance clear on Liverpool’s title ambitions: “I don’t think we’re going to win the Champions League with this attack. Absolutely not.”

Photo IMAGO

Anfield’s Atmosphere Came Under Scrutiny

Beyond the on-pitch issues, both hosts voiced their disappointment with the Anfield crowd.

Drinkel did not hold back: “I thought the crowd was dreadful. Is that atmosphere? Is it?”

Kauser agreed: “I don’t care if Liverpool were playing Club Brugge in the last 16, that’s unacceptable from the supporters.”

Drinkel suggested that the modern football atmosphere played a part, saying: “It’s all about the event now rather than the working man’s game.” He also highlighted how “You could hear our away fans in Paris more than you could hear the home crowd at Anfield.”

Kauser summed up her frustration: “You can’t go around saying we’re the best fans in the world and then bring no atmosphere.”

What Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool now face a critical summer. Kauser and Drinkel both agreed that the attack needs refreshing, and questions remain over Salah’s future.

Kauser summed up the problem: “Good teams know—if we put three men on Salah, the rest won’t step up.”

Drinkel echoed the sentiment: “We need a proper No. 9 because Darwin and Jota haven’t been good enough.”

As Liverpool exit the Champions League, attention turns to the Premier League run-in and summer transfer business. One thing is clear—if the Reds want to compete at the highest level, attacking reinforcements and a revived Anfield atmosphere will be crucial.