Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confessed that the challenge of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League has caused him sleepless nights as he prepares for their crucial last 16 second leg tie at Anfield.
Despite Liverpool securing a 1-0 advantage in the first leg at Parc des Princes thanks to Harvey Elliott's late winner, Slot acknowledged the French champions dominated much of that match, leaving him anxious about the return fixture.
"No, you don't dream, you have to work really hard to prepare the team the best way. I try to do this every game," Slot told reporters when asked if he was dreaming about the upcoming clash. "When you have a game like last week you wonder if you can even sleep! I don't dream this week; we are focused, and the week started off well Saturday, and now we look forward to tomorrow. Everyone looks forward to a game like this."
The Dutch manager also addressed reports claiming PSG players felt Liverpool weren't as formidable as Arsenal or Bayern Munich, whom they had previously faced in the competition this season.
"Some of them have said Arsenal and Bayern were better, from what I have heard," Slot responded. "PSG improved a lot in these two or three months and they played away. I saw both of those games, PSG have improved a lot. They press all over the pitch now, so they have changed."
He continued: "And yea, it's up to them how they felt. I cannot influence what they felt. Don't even know if it is true or not. I am hoping they have a different opinion tomorrow."
Slot didn't hesitate to praise Luis Enrique's side, describing them as the most complete team Liverpool has encountered this season. "This is the most complete team we've faced so far. Of course, we have played Arsenal, Real, Man City but the quality PSG have, probably the richest club but they have so much quality with a great coach, he let's them play in a way that is not easy to play against, work-rate incredible. Why we have to be at our best tomorrow."
Liverpool will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage, with Slot noting the difference in their performances at Anfield compared to away games: "At home we had a different performance against City than away..."
The Reds aim to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where either Club Brugge or Liverpool would await them in the next round. With the Anfield crowd behind them, Liverpool will be confident of building on their slender first-leg advantage despite Slot's sleepless nights.
