Liverpool are Liverpool: PSG star plays down talk of Reds demise ahead of Champions League clash
Liverpool face a daunting trip to Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow night
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has dismissed suggestions the titleholders are favourites against Liverpool tomorrow night in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Liverpool have had a disappointing season but plumbed new depths at the weekend with an abject display at Manchester City in the FA Cup. Despite a bright start, the Merseysiders lost 4-0 with captain Virgil van Dijk admitting they “gave up” after the break.
That result heaped more pressure on boss Arne Slot, who seems likely to leave the club at the end of the season, and some bookmakers have his side at 4/1 to win at the Parc des Princes.
Vitinha, though, was not willing to talk up PSG’s chances and insisted they remain wary of last season’s Premier League champions.
“It doesn’t mean anything [being labelled favourites],” said the Portugal international. “We know football, there are no favourites in this type of match. Liverpool are Liverpool. They remain a great team. On a Champions League night, a team can be different. There will be two big games. Tomorrow, we will be 100% and on alert. It remains a very difficult match.”
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It will be different, Vitinha says when asked about last year’s tie
The teams met in the same competition last season with two compelling games both won by the away side before PSG squeezed through on a penalty shoot-out.
The game in the French capital was a hugely one-sided affair with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who is absent tomorrow due to injury, producing a brilliant display before Harvey Elliot scored the only goal three minutes from time.
“They were two exceptional games. It was incredible,” added Vitinha. “The first game left frustration. Alisson was the man of the match. I don’t remember an opportunity from Liverpool apart from the goal. That’s what we want to do [again tomorrow].
“Some think it will be easy. In a week, a lot of things happen in football. There, a year has passed. We will be ready to play this game but it will be different.”
Liverpool were favourites last year, and PSG won – Luis Enrique
PSG boss Luis Enrique echoed Vitinha’s thoughts, adding: “In my opinion, it is not important to know who you place as a favourite. Because in this type of match, it is impossible to have a favourite. I don’t think we’re favourites. Last year, by the way, everyone said that the favourite was Liverpool and, in the end, it was PSG that qualified.”
The former Spain and Barcelona boss would love his side to replicate their display in the corresponding game from last season.
He said: “It was a very high-level performance and it’s incredible that we lost this game. I would sign to have this level tomorrow, but on the other hand not for the same result. We are looking to win every game, take advantage of playing at the Parc, its atmosphere and the support of the fans.”
The hosts will be without forward Bradley Barcola, who has failed to prove he is fully fit, and midfielder Fabian Ruiz.