Luis Enrique said it is “always a pleasure playing against Arne Slot and his teams” after PSG beat Liverpool 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Unlike when they met at the Parc des Prince in the round of 16 last season, the Parisians avoided defeat and ensured they will go to Anfield for the second leg of the quarter-finals with a commanding lead.

It was the least they deserved after playing the Premier League side off the pitch, with both goals coming from Désiré Doue and Kvara Kvaratskhelia.

Liverpool failed to gain any traction in the contest after Slot reverted to a back five and kept Mo Salah on the bench or the entire match. They didn’t take a single shot in the first half and ended the game without a shot on target.

Enrique, though, praised the Reds his counterpart in the opposite dugout after the final whistle, although we’re not sure it’s the compliment Slot wanted to hear after a result like that.

Read – Arne Slot: Liverpool ‘lucky’ PSG defeat wasn’t even worse

Enrique: ‘It’s always a pleasure’ playing against Slot’s Liverpool

“I know Arne Slot is a great coach,” the Paris St-Germain head coach told TNT Sports. “It’s the first time that they have played with five at the back.

“But we are used to watching other teams change their formation to play against us, it’s normal.

“I think they played a great match, physically they are very strong. A lot of quality players, individual quality players and it was a very nice match.

“It’s always a pleasure playing against Arne Slot and his teams because they try to play football in an offensive way and it was nice to watch.”

sends message to Liverpool teammates not to give up on PSG tieIt starts with the belief’: Virgil van Dijk sends message to Liverpool teammates not to give up on PSG tie

“It starts with the belief, it starts with the belief that comes within yourself,” Virgil van Dijk said about Liverpool’s hopes to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against PSG.

“Starts with the belief that we get from our manager, the right game plan, and the intensity that we have to put in from the first second to the last, if you really want to achieve something.

“That’s what I want. And that’s what I’m going to tell my boys. We have to show it. We have to show the desire, show the fight – that’s the least you have to do as a Liverpool player.

“At the end of the day, you need everything clicking together to turn this around because we play against a team that is just outstanding in every department.

“But it also comes back to yourself, and to the belief, and the pride: we are Liverpool.

“That’s why this particular moment hurts so much personally, and it should hurt as well for each and everyone there in the dressing room.”

Liverpool were underdogs going into the first leg against PSG and are lucky to be just two goals down.

The Reds have experience in overcoming even bigger deficits, but this team has been too unconvincing to be trusted to pull off something like this next week.

Next Liverpool manager odds: Who is the favourite to replace Arne Slot?

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The latest odds on who the favourite is to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool:

Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favourite at 8/13, largely due to his availability after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year. His historic connection to the club and his Bundesliga-winning pedigree make him the most logical choice for the FSG hierarchy if they decide to move on from Slot this summer.

Sebastian Hoeness sits at 10/1 after continuing to work miracles with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. His reputation as a developer of young talent aligns with Liverpool’s long-term strategy, making him an intriguing, albeit less experienced, option for the role.

Jurgen Klopp remains a sentimental outsider at 14/1, though any return would likely be in a temporary or advisory capacity rather than a full-time managerial role.

Andoni Iraola has seen his odds drop to 20/1 despite his impressive work at Bournemouth and his existing relationship with Sporting Director Richard Hughes. His aggressive tactical setup could be a seamless fit for the current crop of players at Anfield.

Julian Nagelsmann currently sits at 20/1 as the German national team manager prepares to return to club football following the upcoming World Cup. Liverpool have reportedly kept tabs on his situation for years, and his high-pressing style would likely appease a fanbase frustrated by Slot’s more rigid system.

Luis Enrique has also emerged with odds of 20/1, as rumours circulate that he may be looking for a new challenge away from Paris Saint-Germain. His tactical flexibility and experience managing world-class egos are seen as ideal traits for a squad currently in a transitional phase.

Simone Inzaghi is listed at 20/1 following his continued success in Italy, where his Inter Milan side has remained a dominant force in Europe. His ability to build a robust defense could be exactly what Liverpool needs after conceding four goals to Manchester City.

Xavi Hernandez is also sitting at 20/1 despite not having a managerial job since leaving Barcelona in 2024. Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all-time, the Spaniard has proven to be a league winner as a manager with his boyhood club.

Steven Gerrard rounds out the list at 25/1 in what would be a stunning return to Anfield for the former Reds captain. While fans would love a homecoming, his recent managerial record means he sits behind more tactically proven candidates.

Watch PSG vs Liverpool on TNT Sports

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