Liverpool’s Champions League hopes undone by poor finishing and lost control | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Champions League Exit: Post-Match RAW Reaction

Liverpool’s journey in the Champions League came to a frustrating end against PSG, with a performance that left fans and analysts dissecting the issues that unfolded over the two legs. In the latest Post-Match RAW podcast from Anfield Index, Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick, and Hari Sethi detailed the game, highlighting key moments, tactical shortcomings, and player performances that defined Liverpool’s European exit.

Liverpool’s Midfield Conundrum

One of the central talking points was Liverpool’s midfield and the lack of a true defensive midfielder. Dave Hendrick was particularly critical of Liverpool’s setup, pointing out how Ryan Gravenberch is being forced into a role he isn’t suited for:

“Ryan Gravenberch is good enough as a footballer to play for Liverpool, but as a number six he’s not good enough to play at the highest level.”

He emphasised how the absence of an elite defensive midfielder has affected the team’s balance, stating:

“It’s not complicated, is it? An elite defensive midfielder not only improves you defensively, it improves you going forward because it sets a platform for other players to attack.”

The panel recalled past mistakes, with Hendrick referencing Liverpool’s struggles with Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson in similar roles before Fabinho arrived:

“We suffered through watching Lucas Leiva try and learn how to play that position for years and never figure it out, then we suffered through watching Henderson play it and never figure it out. Then we got one, and we won the big pots.”

Photo: IMAGO

Missed Opportunities and Key Decisions

The second half started brightly for Liverpool, with a disallowed goal and multiple attempts that tested PSG. Trev Downey noted the importance of the opening moments of both halves, lamenting Liverpool’s inability to capitalise:

“We could and should have nailed something down in the opening part of both halves, and that changes the game remarkably. But we don’t in either case, and the game begins to drift away from us.”

The discussion also touched on PSG’s game management, particularly Gianluigi Donnarumma’s antics that broke Liverpool’s momentum. Hendrick pointed out how the Italian goalkeeper cleverly slowed the game:

“Donnarumma killed our momentum. He could feel it, he knew they were really starting to rattle at that point. So he sat down, and the place went flat. The crowd went flat. Our players lost the momentum.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Attack’s Lack of Cutting Edge

Liverpool’s frontline came under scrutiny, particularly the lack of decisiveness from Luis Díaz. Hari Sethi compared Díaz’s reluctance in front of goal to former Reds attacker Sadio Mané:

“I want to see someone backing themselves a little bit more in certain situations and having shots when the opportunities arise. You think back to Mané and what he would have done—he’d have backed himself outrageously.”

Hendrick echoed this sentiment, criticising the lack of production:

“There’s a lot of huff and puff, and there’s not enough production from him.”

They also highlighted how Liverpool’s previous great front threes had the ability to share the goal burden, unlike the current setup:

“When we had Mo, Bobby, and Sadio, we had an A+, a B+, and an A. When we had Sterling, Suarez, and Sturridge, we had an A+, an A, and a B+. Teams knew that if they stopped one, the others could still win the game.”

The contrast with PSG was clear: PSG’s attackers were decisive, Liverpool’s were hesitant. The visitors consistently looked dangerous, with Dembélé, Barcola, and Kolo Muani all posing serious threats.

Photo: IMAGO

Where Do Liverpool Go from Here?

Despite the disappointment, the panel recognised the bigger picture—Liverpool are still on course to win the Premier League. Hari Sethi urged the team to refocus:

“Let’s go and win the cup on Sunday and then really stamp our authority on the Premier League. Leave no doubt that we are by far the best team in England this season.”

The discussion also touched on contract situations, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s futures needing to be secured. Hendrick didn’t mince his words:

“Somebody please put a respectable contract and a pen in front of Virgil and Mo because they need to be here.”

Liverpool’s Champions League exit was frustrating but not entirely surprising given the tactical issues that have lingered throughout the season. Arne Slot will take lessons from this, particularly regarding squad balance and game management. With a Premier League title still within reach, Liverpool must regroup quickly and ensure that their domestic