Liverpool’s season suffered a severe setback this week. The English team was having a great season with a large lead in the Premier League where the only team to challenge them for the position is Arsenal, but by a long way. In the Champions League they were clear favorites for the title, however, at the first hurdle and after being leaders in the preliminary group stage, they were knocked out of the competition in the round of sixteen.
Tough end to Champions League campaign
Paris Saint-Germain, who were far superior to Liverpool throughout the tie, forced extra time at Anfield (0-1) thanks to a goal from Dembélé… and went through to the quarter-finals thanks to Donnarumma’s handball. The goalkeeper saved two penalties in an epic finish to draw Luis Enrique’s side level with Aston Villa.
Arne Slot, the coach of , expressed his disbelief after the club’s elimination from the Champions League. “It was the best game of football I’ve ever been involved in. It was an incredible performance, especially compared to last week. We were creating chances and then going 1-0 down. Our luck ran out after last week.” “We felt we deserved more than going 1-0 down. We played a perfect game, except for scoring a goal. It was similar to what happened in Paris last week, when they played a perfect game. And then, in extra time, maybe they were a little better.
In the Cup without Alexander Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s full back, will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle United and it is doubtful whether he will be able to return before the end of the season. During the second leg of the Champions League last 16 between Liverpool and PSG, Alexander-Arnold had to leave the field with a knee injury and alarm bells went off in the Valdebebas offices. It looks like a serious injury, although the player was able to leave the field under his own steam. We will have to wait for the tests to find out the extent of the injury.
“Trent is not available,” Slot said at a press conference on Friday. ”He will not play in the final. He is still undergoing tests to determine how long he will be out for, but hopefully he can return before the end of the season.”
Van Dijk’s uncertain future
“I can’t talk about the contract talks with the club, but I can only say that I am fully committed to Liverpool. I love the fans very much… We’ll see what the future holds. As long as I’m calm, I think the rest of the world can be calm too.” A few days ago, Dutchman Virgil van Dijk was just as enigmatic when analyzing his delicate contractual situation. The player’s current contract expires on June 30th and, for the time being, he has not signed a renewal with Liverpool.
Liverpool have already started to move in the market looking for an alternative to replace their undisputed leader in defense. The name of Jan Paul van Hecke is on the table. The 24-year-old defender is completing a remarkable season with Brighton, where he is on loan from Blackburn Rovers (he has played 30 official matches).
Should he decide to take the step up, the Premier League leaders will have to open their wallets as Rovers are not willing to facilitate the definitive departure of a player whose contract runs until June 2027.