Arne Slot exclusive: Liverpool boss warns of 'peak' Paris Saint-Germain ahead of UEFA Champions League last 16 tie

Speaking to TNT Sports, Arne Slot conceded that Liverpool's UEFA Champions League opponents Paris Saint-Germain are one of the most dangerous sides in European football and close to their zenith. However, he has few concerns over managing his players, saying some of their victories this season have shown them capable of taking on and beating the best the sport has to offer.

Slot on 'mini treble' chances - 'I don't need to calm the players down'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Arne Slot believes Liverpool will face a "peak" Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, calling them "one of the strongest teams in Europe."

Liverpool play at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night - live on TNT Sports and discovery+- in the first leg of their last 16 tie, with the two sides perhaps the most in-form in Europe right now.

Both sit at the top of their respective domestic league tables and command what are likely insurmountable points advantages.

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Liverpool are 13 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League, though Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand, and PSG have the same lead over Marseille in Ligue 1.

Slot acknowledged that PSG pose a real threat given their form this season, with the team firing on all cylinders as Ousmane Dembele hits the best form of his career after taking a little time to settle in following his move from Barcelona. Like Liverpool, the French side have few fitness concerns.

"This team, if I heard Luis Enrique correctly, doesn't have injuries at all - they're probably at their peak this season. A very interesting game for those who love football," Slot told TNT Sports.

Slot added that while PSG are one of the most dangerous teams about, the successes shared between his team already, on the continent and domestically, show the way forward.

He declared: "We are facing Paris Saint-Germain, which is one of the strongest teams in Europe, so that’s going to be a challenge also.

"I don’t think I need to calm the players down.

"They know how difficult the task is in front of them, because they know how difficult it has been to win our Champions League games, and how difficult it’s been to win our Premier League games."

Dembele is not the only dangerous player that Liverpool’s backline will have to deal with - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and others can all pose a threat of their own - though there is every chance they will be up to the challenge.

Virgil van Dijk has been back to his dominant best this campaign, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attacking contributions from full-back continue to serve as a reminder why Real Madrid reportedly remain keen on signing him for free at the end of the season.

Both Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, along with talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, are out of contract in the summer.

'I see a lot of similarities' - Slot

Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique has been in place in the French capital since 2023, with Slot seeing some parallels in how his side and PSG approach the game.

Slot responds to Enrique claim of Liverpool being 'best team in Europe'

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I see a lot of similarities, both teams want to have as much possession as they can," he observed.

"We both press high. We do it in different fashions but the idea behind it is the same. Interesting game to look forward to."

With PSG set for a semi-final in the French Cup against Dunkerque, and Liverpool preparing for a League Cup final against Newcastle, the two sides are on course for a treble if they succeed in their remaining tournaments.

That would be a remarkable achievement for Slot, who has been hailed for his management after taking over from previous manager Jurgen Klopp, who has made relatively few changes to the personnel at Anfield, but has taken the side on a step with a refinement of their approach.

On top of that, he has impressed with his typically calm manner on the sidelines, though a recent red card against Everton may have betrayed growing internal tension and nerves as the season nears its climax.

Slot has guided the club to famous victories in Europe already, including against Real Madrid, but he thinks the upcoming tie could be more demanding.

Agree or Disagree: Liverpool to win the Champions League?

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He said: "The difference is there are now two games instead of one - both will play at home, and we know how important playing at Anfield can be.

"This is different because we play two games, and although we all know how good of a team Real Madrid are, they had some injuries as well."

Wednesday will reveal whether Liverpool will need to count on that famous Anfield support next week, or if they can come away with an advantage after another famous European performance under Slot.

How to watch PSG v Liverpool?

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PSG host Liverpool at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, March 5.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:00.

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