"I almost got pierced by Lee Kang-in."' Enrique praised Liverpool's 'surprise three-back' "I was really surprised" The slot says, "It's a failure"

*This content was translated by AI.

Luis Enrique (56), head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), expressed surprise at the tactics of Liverpool coach Arne Slot (48), who operated the five-back.

PSG won 2-0 at home against Liverpool in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on the 9th (Korea Standard Time) with consecutive goals from Desiree Doue and Hvitsa Kvaratshelia.

As a result, PSG has gained an advantage in reaching the semifinals even if it loses by a goal in the second leg away to Anfield on the 15th.

Lee Kang-in was replaced in the 33rd minute of the second half and played about 12 minutes until the end of the game. Even in a short time, he showed his unique creativity without regret. According to "Foot Mob," which specializes in soccer statistics, Lee Kang-in's ball touch was only 13 times, but he showed off the efficiency of connecting three of them to a key pass (creating opportunities) that opens up opportunities for teammates.

The most impressive scene came in the 42nd minute of the second half. Lee Kang-in, who caught the ball in a counterattack, did not miss Dembele's movement, which penetrated the back space of the opponent's defense, and put in an exquisite penetration pass. Dembele's powerful shot then hit the left side of the net and unfortunately failed to achieve the offensive point, but it was a moment when Lee Kang-in's exclusive sight and "delivery pass" were seen.

"Defending champion" PSG was overwhelmed throughout the game, while Liverpool struggled with a 26% possession rate and not a single effective shot.

The slot manager put Jeremy Frimpong and Milos Kerkez on both sides and put forward a five-back with three centre-backs: Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

After the game, Enrique said of Liverpool's defensive tactics, "It was amazing because it was the first time Slot had such a defense this year," adding, "It shows that they are trying to change." It is familiar for the opponent to change his tactics according to us," he said.

"Liverpool is a team with strong physicality and excellent personal skills. The slot manager added, "It's always fun to deal with him because he usually plays aggressive football."

Slot coach cited the overwhelming speed of PSG side resources as the reason for the tactical change. "Ashraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are incredibly threatening players. "I used Frimpong and Kerkez to cope with their speed," he explained. He said he tried to put players who had better defensive coping than professional wingers to pressure them strongly from a high position.

However, the slot coach also admitted some of the limitations of the tactics. "There were moments when our defense was completely torn apart when we tried to press aggressively," he said. "I gave my opponent five or six decisive chances," he said. At the same time, "I think the system is too focused. Imagine how the results would have been different if professional wingers had been used to deal with Hakimi and Mendes," he said, stressing that his tactical choice was inevitable.

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*This content was translated by AI.