Liverpool ‘can compete with Europe’s best teams’, says Arne Slot ahead of PSG tie

Arne Slot says Liverpool have already proved they can compete with the best in Europe as they prepare to face Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Slot was in bullish mood as he demanded a response to Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Manchester City in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Parc des Princes.

PSG will start as strong favourites but Slot pointed to the fact that Liverpool have already beaten Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Inter in the competition so far this season.

“It is completely true that performances and results have been very inconsistent throughout the season,” Slot said ahead of the game.

“But this club has always shown in tough moments that they stand up again. We have had a lot of tough moments this season. We’ve stood up a few times but then fallen down again. We have to show that mentality again — to pick yourself up after a disappointment.

“This club has shown many times that we can do very special things in difficult circumstances.  If we can bring this tie to Anfield … we didn’t have the best game away  Galatasaray but played probably our best game of the season at home against them.

“But my team has also shown many times in big games this season — with the exception of the Etihad twice — that we are able to compete with the best teams in Europe.”

Alexander Isak travelled to Paris as part of a 21-man squad. The Sweden international is set to be named as a substitute, having not featured since breaking his leg against Tottenham Hotspur in December.

“Alex has finished close to a week of team training sessions so he can play a part, otherwise I wouldn’t have brought him,” Slot added.

Liverpool played PSG at the last-16 stage last season with Liverpool winning 1-0 away before going out on penalties after losing by the same scoreline at Anfield.

Slot said: “City and PSG are two of the hardest teams to face in open play. The challenge for us is to be at the level we were for the first 35 minutes against City from the first second to the last second here.”

Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are one yellow card away from a suspension for next Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield.