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Liverpool’s Champions League Challenge: A Clash with PSG

Liverpool have learned their fate in the Champions League knockout stage, drawing Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. As Dave Hendrick discussed on Daily Red, this tie is undoubtedly a tough one, but it is not a fixture that should strike fear into the hearts of Reds supporters.

Liverpool Face a Difficult but Winnable Tie

Liverpool’s path to the Champions League final will not be easy. Hendrick acknowledged that “certain teams got very favourable draws; certain teams like us got tougher draws.” However, he was quick to highlight that PSG have not been overly convincing in the competition this season. “They were mediocre in the league phase,” he said, pointing to some unimpressive results. PSG they suffered defeats to both Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and drew with PSV Eindhoven.

Despite their array of attacking talent, Hendrick believes PSG can be exposed, particularly in defence. “They’re not strong defensively,” he remarked. While Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos provide experience their defensive solidity has been questioned. Mendes, in particular, is “great going forward but quite suspect defensively at times.”

Liverpool’s Strengths and the Midfield Battle

Liverpool, on the other hand, look well-balanced. Hendrick suggested that “we match up pretty well with them” in terms of squad quality. The defence, anchored by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, gives Liverpool a significant advantage. “The centre-backs are our centre-backs,” he said. “Ibou and Virgil.”

Midfield could be a key battleground. Hendrick acknowledged PSG’s quality, stating, “I’d be inclined to say you go Zaire-Emery, Alexis Mac Allister, and Joao Neves as your midfield three.” He believes PSG may have an edge in that area, though Liverpool’s midfield has been increasingly dominant in recent weeks.

Can Liverpool Handle PSG’s Attack?

PSG’s frontline remains dangerous with new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia singled out as Hendrick pointed out that “he’s torn us asunder before,” recalling his destruction of Liverpool’s defence during his time at Napoli. Alongside him, Ousmane Dembélé is enjoying a rich vein of form, and Bradley Barcola has been impressive. However, Liverpool’s defensive resilience could be the difference. “We have Ibou, and that will help,” Hendrick noted, referencing Konaté’s ability to deal with PSG’s pace and movement.

One unpredictable factor is PSG’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. “It really just depends what day you get him on,” Hendrick said. “Sometimes he looks like the best keeper in the world, and sometimes he looks like someone’s big brother who they’ve stuck in goal because they don’t have any friends themselves.” If Liverpool can exploit his inconsistencies, it could be a significant advantage.

The Road Ahead

While this tie is challenging, Hendrick remains optimistic. “We shouldn’t fear them,” he insisted. If Liverpool can progress past PSG, they will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge, a significantly more favourable draw. Further ahead, a potential semi-final against Arsenal or Real Madrid looms.

For now, Liverpool’s focus must remain on domestic matters, with critical fixtures coming up, including Manchester City away and a League Cup final against Newcastle. However, Hendrick was clear: “If we beat City and then win the three home games in a row, this is going to look really good for us. Really, really good for us.”

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