On Wednesday evening, Liverpool completely missed out on their C1 quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain. Dominated in all areas of the game, Arne Slot’s Reds could consider themselves lucky to leave the French capital with only a two-goal gap, as the Mersey club’s players were on the street offensively and defensively. At the end of the 90 minutes, the statistics for Liverpool were clearly glaring: 26% possession, three shots attempted for no attempt on target. All without Mohamed Salah, left on the bench for the entire game.
A decision which was surprising, as the Egyptian remains an offensive reference for the Reds despite an irregular form. “ If we had been better, if we had had more balls, it would have made sense to bring in Mohamed Salah to make the difference. But if we have to defend as much as we did, then he should save his energy for this weekend », Arne Slot justified himself after the meeting in front of journalists. 72 hours later, the Dutch technician revived the former AS Roma player against Fulham in the Premier League. A rather paid tenure.
Salah lives again, Ngumoha confirms
Scorer against the Cottagers (2-0) this Saturday, Salah once again recalled his importance in the Reds system. With now 20 decisive contributions this season (11 goals, 9 assists), the 33-year-old winger continues to display impressive consistency. “ He scored a lot of them like that. Mo is a top finisher and we have to try to put him in these situations as much as possible. Today he was there and he finished well… It’s important for Mo to have scored this goal, but it was especially important for the team and the club that we won this match, and for Mo to achieve a finish that he has already achieved so many times », Satisfied Slot to the BBC.
At the same time, Liverpool can also count on the emergence of Rio Ngumoha. At just 17 years and 225 days old, the young English talent – scorer of the first goal after a lot of work on the left side and involved in Salah’s goal – is already impressing his coach and his own teammates. “ Let’s hope he has a bright future ahead of him. He had a good match. He scored a decisive goal, and now, on to the next one », Said Virgil van Dijk. “ He’s getting stronger and ready for this level “, Slot told him. A few days before a decisive quarter-final return against the European Champions, Liverpool have reassured themselves and can now concentrate on hosting PSG. “ We are ready, and Anfield will be ready “, warned Slot.
