PSG Merit Respect, Not Fear, Says Slot

Reds manager impressed by rivals' form, says their last-16 clash is one for the purists

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LONDON - Arne Slot says Liverpool have nothing to fear at the Parc des Princes, as he prepares his team for a blockbuster Champions League clash with runaway French Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds, who are top of the English Premier League, take the next step in their bid for a first Champions League crown since 2019 when they face PSG in the last-16, first leg on March 5.

The six-time European champions lost on both their previous visits to PSG, in 1997 and 2018.

But Liverpool have been beaten just four times in all competitions this season and only once in the Champions League - by PSV Eindhoven in their final league-phase game, when they had already qualified for the last 16.

Slot's men finished first in the league phase with seven wins from eight games, including a 2-0 success against holders Real Madrid, and have been equally dominant on the domestic stage.

Inspired by the sublime form of star forward Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are 13 points clear at the summit of the Premier League as they close in on a record-equalling 20th English title.