- Joe Gomez in line to start vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Arne Slot hints at decision
- Englishman expected to play right back
Liverpool take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals this week at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
The Reds travel to France for the first leg, just days after losing 4-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson will not be a part of the matchday squad and has hinted at another starting XI decision.
The head coach spoke to the media after the defeat at the Etihad, hinting that Joe Gomez was in line to start in the Champions League.
He said that the Englishman was substituted as he was not ready to play 90 minutes in back-to-back matches, and told TNT Sports:
“I took Joe Gomez out because usually he has shown, since I am here, that it is not always easy to play him twice for 90 minutes. So, if we want to use him on Wednesday, then it is helpful that I took him out today.”
Gomez has played just under 1200 minutes for Liverpool this season in all competitions. He has started just 14 games and come off the bench in 12 other matches.
The Englishman is expected to play as the right-back, should he start, with Jeremie Frimpong recovering from the injury issue he suffered on international duty. The Dutchman came off the bench in the FA Cup defeat, but might not be ready to start yet.
Liverpool coach aware of UEFA Champions League pressure
Slot wants Liverpool players to bounce back from the Manchester City loss by showing their quality against PSG.
The head coach is aware of the pressure of playing in the UEFA Champions League and heaped praise on the French side as well. He told TNT Sports:
“It is not every season that you play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Very big and very important because it is not every season that you play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. We are really looking forward to that, playing against a very good side again. We are looking forward to that, but it’s not the only objective we have.”
The Dutchman added that the club targets qualifying for the European competition once again, and is confident that his players can do well in the remainder of the season.
“We want to qualify for the Champions League next season as well, so there is still a lot to play for. We have had a lot of setbacks and disappointments, but that is also part of being a football player and being a human being, and you have to be there and stand up when things are not so positive. Players that have shown so much quality in the past now have a fantastic chance to show that against PSG.”
Alexander Isak is expected to make the squad this week after failing to make it for the trip to Etihad. He is back in training and has recovered from his surgery following the broken leg in December.
