Why Liverpool Must Be More Aggressive in the Second Leg Against PSG | OneFootball

Liverpool vs PSG: Champions League Clash Set for Anfield

The A-Eye Scouted podcast from Anfield Index, featuring Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett, dissected Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in forensic detail. With Arne Slot’s Liverpool preparing for a decisive second leg at Anfield, the discussion highlighted tactical approaches, player performances, and key factors that could decide the tie.

PSG’s Rise and Enrique’s Influence

PSG have often flattered to deceive in Europe, but under Luis Enrique, there are signs that they might finally be on the right track. Matchett noted that Enrique has instilled a greater sense of team cohesion, saying, “Enrique has done a good job in terms of making them play as a team, as we certainly saw evidence of in that first leg.” He also pointed out that PSG’s domestic dominance might be helping them: “Having an additional thing to fight for domestically, game after game, probably is a big help.”

However, Hendrick wasn’t convinced Enrique is the mastermind behind their recent improvement. “He starts with the Barcelona youth set-up, gets the Roma job off the back of that, and fails there. He then goes to Celta Vigo, doesn’t do well, and somehow ends up with the Barcelona job.” While he acknowledged Enrique’s achievements, Hendrick questioned whether they were more about the quality of the squads he inherited rather than his coaching brilliance.

Liverpool’s Tactical Approach: Caution or Control?

A major talking point was how Liverpool should set up for the second leg. The first meeting saw PSG dominate the ball, but without truly breaking Liverpool down. “It’s not like they continually broke us down and created great opportunities,” Hendrick said. “Their energy levels were hugely impressive, how they won the ball back over and over, but in the end, they were limited to pop shots.”

Matchett agreed, adding that Liverpool must step up their game in midfield: “It’s really important for Liverpool to step up in midfield—literally step up 10 yards further on the pitch. We were conceding way too much ground in that game.” Both analysts believed a more aggressive approach was needed at Anfield, rather than simply sitting deep and looking to counterattack.

One potential risk, however, is exposing Liverpool’s fullbacks, an area PSG could look to exploit. “Our fullback areas are not the quickest,” Matchett said. “Even though it’s been a massive strength for Liverpool for a decade, they’re not absolutely lightning. So if we push up, that has to be really aggressive and alert to switches.”

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Key Selection Decisions: Nunez or Jota?

One of the biggest selection dilemmas for Slot is whether to start Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota as the central striker. Hendrick was clear in his preference: “Darwin does it with more physicality, more intensity, and at a higher speed. He’ll stretch the pitch and give us a better chance to establish ourselves higher up.”

Matchett backed this view, pointing to Núñez’s contributions in the first leg: “He has already got a goal and an assist in the previous game, and that just adds to that feeling of confidence.” While Jota’s work rate is undeniable, the unpredictability and raw pace of Núñez could be crucial against a PSG side that thrives on structured defensive play.

Defensive Resilience and Set-Piece Battle

Set-pieces could also be a decisive factor, with Liverpool boasting a physical advantage. Hendrick highlighted the height difference between the two teams: “We are simply a much bigger team than them. They don’t have anybody close to the size of Virgil [van Dijk] and Ibrahima [Konaté].” He suggested that Liverpool should look to capitalise on this, particularly on defensive corners where PSG had men waiting on the edge of the box.

Matchett also noted that Liverpool could look to create counter-attacking opportunities from set-pieces: “We could maybe cut down a little on the number of bodies we’re committing into the corner mix and put a couple more people on the edge of the box to pick up those floating players from them.” This would not only limit PSG’s second-ball chances but also provide Liverpool with an outlet to launch quick transitions.

The Verdict: How Liverpool Should Approach the Game

The general consensus from the discussion was that Liverpool should not sit back and invite PSG pressure. Hendrick summed it up: “I think we should go out and try and establish ourselves. If the game breaks into a pattern where we just can’t keep the ball away from them, then fair enough, but I’d like to see us at least try.”

Matchett emphasised the importance of an early attacking threat: “If you can give PSG three reasons to be careful in the first 15 minutes, they may have to hold back players like Hakimi rather than bombing forward.” The ability to control possession, create chances early, and force PSG to be reactive rather than proactive could be the key to Liverpool securing passage to the next round.

With a cup final looming at the weekend, Liverpool have a crucial week ahead. But as both analysts agreed, this Champions League tie is the priority: “It’s all about this 90 minutes. If you do get through, you’ve got a potential route to the final that you can really look at.”