Jamie Carragher strongly criticized Arne Slot’s tactical approach after Liverpool were outplayed by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Liverpool face an uphill battle to reach the semis following a 2-0 defeat in Paris — a score Carragher suggested could easily have been much heavier. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored for the holders, who also missed several chances and had two penalty appeals overturned by VAR.
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Carragher said the gap in performance was alarming given Liverpool’s recruitment and spending. He described the display as akin to watching a lower-division side and questioned how a club that has invested so heavily could be so outclassed.
Slot switched to a back five to try to contain PSG, but Carragher argued the change backfired. He said Liverpool’s players effectively went man-to-man across the pitch, which stretched the trio of centre-backs and left Virgil van Dijk exposed beside Ibrahima Konaté. Carragher added that the system forced van Dijk into uncomfortable covering runs and defended the captain amid season-long criticism, pointing the finger at Konaté’s inconsistent form.
Despite his tactical condemnation of Liverpool, Carragher also paid tribute to PSG’s performance, saying they were outstanding and comparing their display to the best sides under Pep Guardiola.
Slot conceded Liverpool were fortunate to lose by only two and acknowledged PSG had numerous chances. In comments to TNT Sports he said the first goal felt harsh and stressed that the tie is still alive with a return leg at Anfield, where the atmosphere can make a big difference. He highlighted PSG’s ball circulation and tempo as a key problem, noting his team sometimes struggled to press effectively and were exposed by passes played in behind when they lined up man-for-man.
On team selection, Slot explained his decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench and not introduce him late. With the final stages of the match spent defending deep for 20–25 minutes, Slot said it was better to preserve Salah’s energy for upcoming fixtures than ask him to spend large spells protecting his own box.