Luis Enrique makes claim on Arne Slot's coaching after surprise Liverpool tactics vs PSG

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Luis Enrique praised opposite number Arne Slot after his Paris Saint-Germain side comfortably beat Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first leg

Luis Enrique and Arne Slot embrace(Image: 2026 Anadolu)

Luis Enrique praised Arne Slot in a post-game TV interview after his Paris Saint-Germain side dominated the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool.

The 2-0 scoreline in PSG's favor, which was secured by goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, flattered Liverpool, and Slot's men have a mountain to climb in next week's second leg at Anfield to make it into a first semi-final since 2022.

Enrique admitted he was disappointed that PSG did not record a win by a bigger scoreline ahead of next week's second leg at Anfield, but paid credit to the visiting team and its head coach, calling him a "great coach" despite plenty of attention on his tactical call to move Liverpool to a back-five formation.

"I think it's a pity because we deserve a little bit more, we could have scored more goals," Enrique said.

"We created clear chances, especially in the second half, but that's football, that's normal, you have to accept that, and we try to recovery as soon as possible and focus on the next match in Anfield."

Slot tweaked Liverpool's formation for the game in Paris, as he lined up with a back five for only the second time since he arrived at Liverpool, and the first time since a heavy League Cup defeat by Crystal Palace last October.

Enrique was asked whether the formation change had taken him by surprise, but responded by saying that other teams tweaking their approach whenever they face PSG is nothing new.

"I know Arne Slot is a great coach," Enrique said. "It's the first time they played with five at the back, but we are used to watching teams change their formation to play against us.

"They played a great match. Physically they are very strong, and they have a lot of players with individual quality.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored PSG's second goal against Liverpool

"It's a pleasure playing against Arne Slot's teams because they play football in an offensive way and it is nice to watch."

PSG's second goal against Liverpool prompted praise from observers after a 27-pass move was rounded off in stylish fashion by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

"We have the idea to play football in that way and today I think the connection between the supporters and the attitude of the players is amazing," Enrique said. "We are connected and that's very nice."

On the challenge Enrique expects to face at Anfield next week, he said: "We are going to prepare for that match in the best way. We are going to suffer in Anfield, because Anfield is a special stadium but we are looking forward to playing in that match."