3 changes Liverpool must make for PSG second leg | OneFootball

Liverpool were pulled from pillar to post on Wednesday evening but inexplicably came out on top against Paris Saint-Germain.

The first leg of their last 16 battle could hardly have been more one-sided, with PSG dominating the contest throughout against their surprisingly lethargic visitors. Liverpool couldn't handle the speed and intensity of their hosts, relying on fortune rather than skill.

But lady luck was shining on Arne Slot and his players as they snatched victory at the death in the face of unrelenting pressure, Harvey Elliott rising from the bench to offer the Reds a crucial advantage ahead of next Tuesday's second leg.

They have placed one foot firmly in the quarter-finals but a similar display at Anfield could yield a less rosy outcome. The tie is still far from won and Liverpool must make significant improvements if they're to book their berth in the last eight.

Here are three alterations the Reds must make for the return leg.

Restrict PSG's possession game

Luis Enrique always want his side to dominate the ball / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages

Luis Enrique had made his ambitions clear prior to Wednesday's encounter: "Liverpool can create danger without the ball. Maybe they don't need the ball as much as us. We will try to impose our game by keeping possession."

The Spaniard was right. PSG finished up with 70% possession on Wednesday evening, quickly shifting from lento to allegro when the opportunity presented itself. Enrique had hailed Liverpool's "three fighter jets in attack" before kick-off but it was his forward triumvirate that caused carnage, with the French side's midfield and defence ordered to serve them as much as possible.

Liverpool's inability to maintain possession was a significant issue in Paris. They found themselves taking a more direct approach in an attempt to bypass PSG's high press, but instead swiftly gifted the ball back to their grateful hosts. That must change at Anfield.

One would expect Liverpool to naturally earn more of the territory in the second leg in front of the home crowd, but with a one-goal advantage they can afford to be more measured in possession, taking the sting out of proceedings in heated moments.

Liverpool must manage the ball better if they're to avoid a second-leg comeback, with their technicians across the pitch needing to step up to the plate.

Start Darwin Nunez & Curtis Jones

Liverpool improved once Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones entered / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

Slot's substitutions made a sizeable impact in the French capital. Of course, Elliott will steal the headlines as he produced the decisive strike with one of just three touches, but Liverpool's other mid-game entrants made an impact.

Wataru Endo came into the equation with just over ten minutes remaining, producing a typical Wataru Endo performance as he fought tirelessly to protect his defence. But the prior arrival of Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones had already helped Liverpool limit the PSG onslaught.

Jones arrived in place of Luis Diaz and quickly offered Andy Robertson some much-needed defensive support up against the interchanging Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The midfielder helped steady the flow down Liverpool's left-hand side.

Not only did Nunez provide the assist for Elliott's last-gasp effort, he offered Liverpool a willing runner in behind PSG's high line. He only enjoyed 12 touches but unnerved Marquinhos and Willian Pacho with his direct approach, offering them a tougher ride than up against the uncharacteristically wasteful Diogo Jota.

While Liverpool are hoping to enjoy greater possession at Anfield, Jones and Nunez could still prove smart introductions - particularly the former given PSG's immense counter-attacking threat.

Harness Anfield energy

Liverpool will want to use Anfield's energy to their advantage / FRANCK FIFE/GettyImages

European nights at Anfield have written many a legend during Liverpool's trophy-laden history in continental competitions, with the Reds needing to lean on that lore against PSG. The first leg was the time to suffer, the second is the time to shine.

A raucous Anfield crowd will greet Liverpool next Tuesday and the Premier League leaders must harness the power of their 12th man.

In the face of adversity, the Reds retreated into their shell against PSG, failing to match the intensity of their hosts. They fell into a low defensive block, struggling to implement their pressing game bar an encouraging spell in the opening ten minutes.

Liverpool must quicken the tempo next week when not on the ball, feeding off the buzz of the home support. They must force PSG into errors high up the pitch, chase loose balls and avoid simply sitting back and watching the pretty patterns in front of them. If not, they could be in trouble.