Slot says PSG will dread Liverpool rematch

Arne Slot feels that Liverpool sent a strong message to Paris Saint-Germain about their potential during a 4-0 victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday, paving the way for a Champions League quarter final clash with the current title holders.

PSG advanced beyond Slot's team via penalties en route to securing the trophy for the first time in the round of 16 during the previous campaign.

Liverpool were leading the Premier League when the teams last clashed, yet they have faced a tougher second year under Slot.

The Reds occupy fifth position in the English top division and needed to overturn a deficit against Galatasaray following a 1-0 defeat in the initial match in Istanbul.

Nonetheless, the result seemed certain once Dominik Szoboszlai equalised the aggregate score on 25 minutes at Anfield on Wednesday.

Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah all scored in the latter period, although Salah also squandered a spot kick as Liverpool bounced back impressively from the jeers they received after Sunday's 1-1 stalemate with bottom dwellers Tottenham.

"They have maintained their level. It was tough for them to get better, but they have remained highly effective so far," Slot commented regarding the encounter with the Ligue 1 winners.

"Yet I reckon after this evening they will not be eager to take us on."

Liverpool claimed a 1-0 success at the Parc des Princes in the prior season, bucking the flow of the game entirely.

However, the situation flipped as PSG secured a 1-0 win at Anfield even though Liverpool showed marked progress in the return fixture.

"We got thoroughly dominated on the road. I believe we delivered a solid performance at Anfield and ultimately fell short in the shootout," Slot remarked.

Slot's choice to bench several important squad members at the outset against Spurs over the weekend proved wise.

Salah returned to the XI and bagged his 50th Champions League strike following the setback of the failed penalty and several other clear opportunities.

"It highlights his mindset a great deal. He blazed over from the spot just prior to the interval, which was naturally a tough instant since leading 1-0 at the break seemed absurd given the game's pattern," Slot explained.

"Then to emerge after the break and contribute as he did. An excellent pass to Hugo and his finish epitomised his style."