PSG dismiss favorites label in matchup with ‘strong team’ Liverpool
PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain have dismissed the notion that they are clear favorites for their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool, despite the Premier League club’s recent struggles.
Out of contention for the Premier League title. Eliminated from the FA Cup. Increasing doubts surrounding the manager’s position. A key forward likely to depart. A dissatisfied captain claiming his team has surrendered. Liverpool approaches the first leg of the quarterfinal on Wednesday in turmoil. This is a stark contrast to their meeting in the round of 16 last year.
At that time, Liverpool was cruising towards the Premier League title, new manager Arne Slot was celebrated throughout the city, and Mohamed Salah was performing at an exceptional level. In contrast, PSG had difficulty advancing from the Champions League group stage, leading to scrutiny of coach Luis Enrique’s tactics.
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PSG narrowly advanced on penalties against Liverpool after a fierce contest over two matches and subsequently claimed their first Champions League title with a decisive victory over Inter Milan in the final.
However, PSG is rejecting any discussions about being the favorites this time around.
“Favorites according to you [the media],” PSG midfielder Vitinha stated at a news conference on Tuesday prior to the first leg at the Parc des Princes. “Just as you claimed last year that Liverpool was.”
“Even if Liverpool are not at their peak, they are still a formidable team with exceptional players.”
PSG is nearing another French title, while Liverpool sits fifth in the Premier League, a significant 21 points behind leaders Arsenal. Following a heavy 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, captain Virgil van Dijk remarked that his team “gave up” and expressed regret to the fans.
“With this team, it’s impossible to declare a favorite,” insisted PSG coach Luis Enrique. “I don’t believe it.”
“Who are the favorites? If you recall last year, everyone claimed it was Liverpool, and the team that progressed [to the next round] was Paris Saint-Germain. For me, there is no favorite.”
PSG will be missing Bradley Barcola and Fabián Ruiz for the first leg at the Parc des Princes, where Harvey Elliott, now on loan at Aston Villa, led Liverpool to a remarkable 1-0 victory last season.
“Arne Slot has mentioned what an incredible match it was,” said Vitinha, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2025. “They didn’t have a chance [in the first leg] apart from the goal they scored, and [goalkeeper] Allison was the man of the match.”
PSG is acutely aware of the danger posed by Liverpool’s leading scorer this season, with forward Hugo Ekitike set to return to face his former team as a revitalized player.
He joined PSG four years ago as a promising 19-year-old but found it challenging to make an impact in a squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. He netted only four goals in 33 appearances over two disappointing seasons.
“You could already see the qualities he possessed,” Vitinha defended. “It just wasn’t the right environment for him at that time.”
A transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt transformed Ekitiké’s career, and after scoring 22 goals last season, he secured a significant move to Premier League champions Liverpool for £69 million (then $93.5 million).
He has performed well with 17 goals and has earned a place in the France national team, with coach Didier Deschamps valuing his ability to attack from deep and dribble at pace.
“Normally, I don’t comment on players who are not with PSG,” Luis Enrique said when asked about Ekitiké. “But after leaving PSG, he excelled in Germany and England. He was very young when he was here, and he has developed significantly.”
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.
