'I heard what Florian Wirtz said before PSG - Liverpool can't afford to hamper his dream'

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Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz previewed the clash with PSG in the Champions League, with his comments serving as a reminder of how big a week this is for Arne Slot

Florian Wirtz gives a press conference ahead of PSG vs Liverpool in the Champions League.(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

Losing 4-0 to a team that it was comfortably better than less than a year ago was hardly the ideal preparation for Liverpool ahead of a massive week that could be defining for Arne Slot.

In one way, the pressure is off against PSG. No one expects the Reds to be able to progress past the Champions League holder, and even if a miracle unfolds, Bayern Munich — or maybe Real Madrid — will be up next.

Nonetheless, Liverpool simply cannot afford another battering a few days after a bruising outing against Manchester City. Virgil van Dijk's admission that he and his teammates gave up at the Etihad Stadium is a huge warning sign, and a positive response is vital.

Anything less than a complete reversal in application, effort and general performance level when Liverpool takes to the field at the Parc des Princes and it will be obliterated.

Even if PSG ends up going through — essentially an inevitability in the eyes of most — Liverpool needs to show something. And in between, of course, it faces Fulham in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard, speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday, suggested he would be worried about the mood at Anfield if Liverpool were to exit the Champions League and drop points against Marco Silva's men.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during a Champions League press conference.(Image: Mustafa Yalçın/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In truth, it is impossible to argue with that stance. After signing the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz last summer, the aim was to win the Champions League, so to not even qualify would be a hammer blow.

"These are the games you want to play as a player," Wirtz told the assembled media at the Parc des Princes. "I dreamt of it when I came to this club, so we try everything to do a good game tomorrow and next week also at Anfield.

"We had a few good games in the league as well, but maybe it shows the Premier League is a tough league, and anyone can beat anyone. Champions League nights are always a bit different.

"You meet different clubs from different countries with different playing styles. Until now, we've enjoyed it. We are just looking forward to facing PSG."

Quite simply, players of Wirtz's level have to be playing in Europe's best competition. Being out of the elite even for just one season would be a major setback.

The German's clear love of the Champions League and all it brings is a clear reminder of what is at stake this week.

Playing PSG is a privilege that Liverpool needs to make the most of; just as importantly, however, it needs to ensure that similar games are being staged at Anfield at the start of 2026/27.

That is, just about, still in their hands. Anything other than a win against Fulham on Saturday, though, would bring significant scrutiny — regardless of what happens on either side.