Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased with his team’s performance despite suffering a first UCL loss of the season, in the 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
The Reds were without their regular starters in the final UCL group game of the season, after the former Feyenoord manager made nine changes to the starting lineup as their perfect run was finally ended.
“To end up first is always good and the performance today was also pleasing to see, with so many players either not playing in their own position or playing for the first time.
To keep up with this PSV team, especially in the first half, was good to see. There were some good performances from individuals as well. Many of them for the first time made 90 minutes so that’s also positive”, Slot said.
Cody Gakpo, facing his former club, gave the much-changed side the lead before Johan Bakayoko equalized for the hosts. Harvey Elliott put the Reds back on top, before quickfire goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi, gave the Dutch champions a much-deserved win.
“If you can choose, of course you end up first but it doesn’t matter for the teams you face. The end result is that there are hardly any easy opponents if you end up first, second or seventh or eighth”, he added.
Liverpool finished the game with ten men as 18-year old debutant Amara Nallo was sent off, although the Premier League leaders finished on top of the 36-team standings despite the defeat.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
