Konaté on Liverpool’s PSG Victory: The Job is Not Done Yet
Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first leg was a testament to resilience, patience, and tactical discipline. The Reds endured relentless pressure from the French giants before securing a crucial late goal through Harvey Elliott, assisted by Darwin Núñez. However, as Ibrahima Konaté rightly pointed out, the job is far from finished. This victory, while significant, is only half the battle.
A Tactical Battle in the Parc des Princes
From the onset, it was clear that this match would be a tactical battle. PSG, renowned for their formidable attacking prowess, dominated possession, forcing Liverpool to adopt a defensive, reactive approach. The statistics spoke volumes—Liverpool spent much of the game defending, with Alisson Becker delivering one of his finest performances between the posts. As Konaté candidly admitted in an interview with the LFC Website: “We knew PSG are a great team, maybe one of the best in Europe. And we knew today they would have the ball more than us… We had to accept it, make the effort all together. We ran until the end and that’s why at the end we scored, and we are very happy.” This match was as much a test of endurance as it was a display of tactical acumen. Liverpool’s disciplined defending and collective effort ultimately paid off when they seized their moment late in the game.
Alisson’s Heroics Keep Liverpool in Control
There are times when a goalkeeper single-handedly defines a match, and this night was one of them. Alisson Becker delivered a near-flawless performance, making crucial saves that kept PSG at bay. Konaté, who understands the value of a strong defensive unit, was quick to praise: “Ooh la la! I’ll try to think but I don’t think so. Thank you Ali today – he had a very great night and I hope we will have this Ali until the end of the season.” Alisson’s heroics have given Liverpool a significant advantage heading into the return leg at Anfield, where his continued stellar performance will be crucial.
A Squad Stepping Up When It Matters
For Liverpool to succeed in multiple competitions, their squad depth will be indispensable. Konaté emphasized the importance of contributions from players who may not feature regularly. Darwin Núñez, who faced criticism after missing chances against Aston Villa, redeemed himself with a key assist. Harvey Elliott, always a dynamic presence, capitalized on his opportunity brilliantly. “We need everyone until the end of the season. We know some players don’t play a lot and this is sometimes difficult. But like today, we need everyone and that’s why we have to say a great job and thank you to them,” Konaté noted. Liverpool’s ability to rely on their entire squad will be vital as they push for silverware.
No Room for Complacency
Despite the euphoria of victory in Paris, Konaté issued a stark warning: “For sure the job is not done, nothing happened. I think the most important game will be at home and in this day we have to make the job.” Liverpool now have the opportunity to seal their victory at Anfield. They hold the advantage, but against a side with PSG’s attacking quality, nothing can be taken for granted. The second leg will be a formidable test, and Liverpool must maintain their focus and intensity to capitalize on their current momentum.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool’s victory in Paris is a reminder of their European pedigree. In recent years, they have excelled in high-pressure Champions League ties, and this match was another example of their ability to grind out results. However, there are still concerns heading into the second leg. One of the biggest takeaways is the reliance on Alisson Becker. While his brilliance is a luxury, Liverpool cannot afford to be so heavily dependent on their goalkeeper again in the return fixture. PSG will create chances, and Liverpool must find a way to control more of the game.
Darwin Núñez’s impact was a positive, and his redemption arc from Villa Park to Paris highlights his resilience. He is a player who thrives on confidence, and this performance could be the spark he needs for the rest of the season. Finally, Liverpool’s midfield will be under scrutiny. While they fought hard, they were often overrun, and that’s something Arne Slot must address ahead of the second leg. Anfield will be a cauldron of energy, but Liverpool cannot simply sit back and absorb pressure. They need to be proactive, take the game to PSG, and ensure their European journey continues.
