Marseille star defends Liverpool ahead of huge Champions League clash

Liverpool arrive in southern France carrying baggage from a recent wobble, yet still carrying the aura of champions. Arne Slot, who delivered the Premier League title in his first season in 2024/25, will face the press in Marseille once his squad lands on Tuesday evening. Mohamed Salah could return to the starting line-up after time on the sidelines. For Marseille, this is not just another European night, it is a statement opportunity under Roberto De Zerbi.

Liverpool under microscope

Form rarely exists in isolation at elite level, and Liverpool have felt the glare after a patchy spell. Supporters have shown flashes of impatience, even with a manager who has already delivered silverware. Slot inherited a squad shaped by Jurgen Klopp, who departed in May 2024, and he has been gradually imprinting his own ideas. The Reds remain formidable in transition and tactically flexible, qualities that travel well in the Champions League.

Marseille, playing at the Stade Velodrome, know exactly what is coming. This is not a wounded animal limping into town, it is a heavyweight who can still land a knockout punch on any given night.

Hojbjerg defends Liverpool

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, now a key figure at the base of De Zerbi’s midfield, fronted Marseille’s media duties on Tuesday morning. Since leaving Tottenham in the summer of 2024, the Dane has become an indispensable organiser, drawing on 254 Premier League appearances for Spurs and Southampton.

Asked about Liverpool’s supposed bad patch, he pushed back firmly. “It’s not fair to say that. They have fantastic players like Salah.

“We’ll have to play a great game, we’re ambitious, we love playing these big games. Liverpool are champions, we have to take these opportunities.”

His respect is telling. Hojbjerg has faced Liverpool countless times, and he knows that even slightly below par they remain dangerous.

De Zerbi chases three points

After Hojbjerg, De Zerbi took his turn in front of the microphones, and his intent was crystal clear.

“I have never prepared for a match with the aim of getting a draw. We prepare for it and we play to win.

“If we don’t all run together, we won’t win. This is especially important for the forwards. I always have forwards on the bench. If we have a drop in energy in the 60th minute, I can make changes. We have to play with courage. We have what it takes to look them in the eye, like we did against PSG.

“In competition, we can lose, but we can also win.”

Expect intensity, not a low block. Marseille will press, rotate and take risks, particularly if Liverpool’s build-up play becomes loose.

What is at stake in Champions League

For Liverpool, this Champions League tie is about rediscovering rhythm as much as collecting points. A strong performance in Marseille would steady nerves and remind Europe why they remain one of the continent’s most feared sides.

For Marseille, three points would show that De Zerbi’s project can compete with the very best. All signs point to an open, high tempo encounter. When Liverpool and Marseille meet in the Champions League, pragmatism rarely wins out over spectacle.