News

Liverpool legend admits why he is ‘fuming’ with PSG ahead of Champions League tie

Add as preferred source on Google

Arne Slot’s side enter the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG, with a slender 1-0 lead to protect.

Liverpool had Alisson Becker to thank in the first leg, with the Brazilian’s magnificent display almost single-handedly winning his side the game in Paris.

Despite coming away with the win, the Reds were largely dominated on the night, something which has given PSG confidence ahead of the second leg.

Lucas Hernandez claims PSG are ‘very confident’ heading into their Anfield clash – a sense of ‘arrogance’ that has angered Liverpool legend John Aldridge.

Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

John Aldridge claims PSG arrogance is ‘disrespectful’ to Liverpool

The French giants are seemingly entering their second leg clash against Liverpool, with a lot of belief – and who could blame them after their performance at the Parc des Princes.

Aldridge, however, thinks they have taken their confidence a step too far, claiming PSG have been ‘disrespectful’ to Liverpool in the build-up.

In his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge wrote:

“When I heard the comments of the PSG players and manager after the first leg, the arrogance of them struck me. You’re looking at a club that has never won a big trophy, so to come out and say what they did post-match…

“They should have won, but they didn’t. We sucker-punched them. And they have been so disrespectful to us and to Anfield.

“And I’m hoping the fans respond on Wednesday night and the players win their personal battles. We will play better, we will pass it better. And if we win our personal battles, we’ll win the game because we’re a better team than them.

“What they’ve said is like a red rag to a bull. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, obviously, but if I was a player or the manager, I’d be fuming. I’d want to go out and really show them on Wednesday night.”

PSG’s confidence could come back to haunt them at Anfield

Aldridge highlighted Anfield’s importance when the draw was first made, with the ex-Reds forward claiming the home crowd could be huge in the second leg.

That is because the Reds have enjoyed a strong record at home in Europe over the years, with Anfield famed for its iconic European nights.

Liverpool’s imperious home form is replicated in the stats also, with the Reds winning seven of their last eight European home matches – with that list including victories against the likes of Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

DateResultScoreOpponentCompetition
26.10.2023W5 – 1ToulouseEuropa League GS
30.11.2023W4 – 0LASKEuropa League GS
14.03.2024W6 – 1Sparta PragueEuropa League of 16
11.04.2024L0 – 3Atalanta B.C.Europa League QF
02.10.2024W2 – 0Bologna FC 1909Champions L – League Ph.
05.11.2024W4 – 0Bayer LeverkusenChampions L – League Ph.
27.11.2024W2 – 0Real MadridChampions L – League Ph.
21.01.2025W2 – 1LilleChampions L – League Ph.
Liverpool’s last eight European home game results

Slot will no doubt be hoping Anfield can once again turn into a fortress when PSG come to town, with the French side likely to bring a tough challenge to Merseyside.