Liverpool were ousted from the UEFA Champions League as PSG defeated them in a penalty shootout.
Liverpool were unable to capitalise on the Anfield atmosphere as PSG fought to force penalties before Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones from the spot, sending the French side through to the quarter-finals.
With Luis Diaz lambasted for his performance for Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off injured, it was a night to forget for the Reds, who enter Sunday’s League Cup final against Newcastle United at a low point.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s manager, has now spoken out on Liverpool’s performance and the Champions League atmosphere at Anfield.
Luis Enrique praises ‘special’ Anfield and Liverpool after PSG victory
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, the former FC Barcelona manager praised Liverpool’s effort while also stating that Arne Slot’s side deserved to advance to the quarter-finals.
In addition to applauding Liverpool, Enrique expressed his delight at seeing his PSG team triumph at Anfield, a stadium that the former Spain manager described as ‘special’ considering the European evenings that have occurred here in recent years.
When questioned about Liverpool and PSG’s performance at Anfield today, Enrique said: “I think both of the teams deserved to advance to the next step. We outplayed them in Paris, and I believe they outperformed us here.
“But I believe my team had incredible individuality and character in a unique setting, a special venue. We did our best, but it was quite difficult because they are so intense, and the atmosphere was fantastic.”
Liverpool will need to make Anfield a bigger weapon next season.
Anfield is often regarded as one of the most difficult stadiums for any away team to visit in Europe, with Jurgen Klopp transforming the legendary Liverpool stadium into a true fortress during his time on Merseyside.
While Slot has kept that reputation, Liverpool has been caught out on a few instances this season at Anfield, with the Reds’ only Premier League loss coming at home to Nottingham Forest.
With Liverpool already eliminated from the Champions League at Anfield, Slot will be prudent to strive to convert the stadium into an even more powerful weapon next season, which may be accomplished by generating a hostile environment among supporters.
