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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Luis Enrique issues verdict on Liverpool surprise amid 'suffer' prediction after PSG Champions League win

Prediction: Luis Enrique - (Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain will “suffer” in the Champions League second leg against Liverpool, Luis Enrique has predicted.

PSG take a 2-0 lead to Anfield next week thanks to goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Wednesday night’s first leg at the Parc des Princes.

In truth, the holders were unfortunate to not have won by a bigger margin as Ousmane Dembele missed a golden chance early in the second half and hit the post moments before being substituted.

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced stunning saves from Doue, Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi to ensure the six-time winners of the competition are still in with a chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

Although the visitors did not muster a single shot on target in Paris, Enrique is expected a completely different Liverpool team to show up on Merseyside.

“It’s normal,” the Spaniard told TNT Sports. “We are going to prepare for that match in the best way, but we are going to suffer in Anfield because Anfield is a stadium that is also special but we are looking forward to playing that match.

“We produced a performance that lived up to the one provided by our supporters. It was an incredible atmosphere, an incredible performance. We deserved more goals.

“We’re a bit disappointed not to have scored more, but this is the UEFA Champions League.”

It is advantage PSG in the Champions League quarter-final (AFP via Getty Images)

The PSG boss also delivered his verdict on Arne Slot’s surprising decision to change system and deploy a back five in hope of greater defensive solidity after seeing his side concede four goals against Manchester City.

“No, I know Arne Slot is a great coach and this is the first time they played with five at the back but we are used to other teams changing all the time [their] formation to play against us,” Enrique added.

“It’s normal, I think they played a great match. It was difficult, the physicality, they are very strong and have a lot of quality players.

“It was a very nice match, it’s always a pleasure playing against Arne Slot and because they try to play football in an offensive way. It was nice for a watch.”

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