Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s night in Paris could hardly have gone much worse, and it has left them with a huge job to do back at Anfield.
PSG ran out 2-0 winners in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the scoresheet as the hosts dominated a Liverpool side that failed to muster a single shot on target.
The scoreline keeps the tie alive, but there’s no doubt the reigning European champions now hold a significant upper hand going into next week’s return.
And it only adds to the advantage they already have from fixture scheduling.
Ligue 1 chiefs granted PSG’s request to postpone their top-of-the-table clash with Lens, which was originally scheduled to be played between the two Liverpool games.
The fixture has been moved to May, giving Luis Enrique’s side a clear week to rest and work on a game plan for Anfield, while Liverpool must squeeze in a Premier League trip to Fulham in the same period. It is this extra breathing space for PSG – and lack of it for Liverpool – that prompted Ibrahima Konate to question why the Premier League does not follow suit and help its clubs in Europe in the same way:
“Last season it was the same. I wish we had the same thing in the Premier League, but it’s completely different. In a way, I’m happy for [PSG] because it’s good for them and I think the league helps them to reach something in the Champions League,” he said to Stan Sport.
“I’m hoping the Premier League are going to do the same in the future, or why not this season, for the teams who play in the Champions League as well.”
He also added:
“I’m always happy to come back to Paris because this is my city and I love to be here. But with the result of tonight, for sure I’m not happy.”
“I know we have another game at Anfield, and anything can happen there. It’s like last season, I think PSG are one of the best teams in the world and they show it again today.”
“It was tough to find a solution to shoot or find the target, but this is now the work of the manager to see what we can improve and change for the game at home.”
‘Why not help the teams who are in the Champions League?’ 🗣️
Ibrahima Konaté calls on the Premier League to support clubs fighting in Europe, like what Ligue 1 have done for PSG.
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