Arne Slot once humorously commented on his appearance: "My hair is not much, but I remember a lot of things". And at this time, the memory and calculation of the Dutch captain will play a key role when he seeks to reverse the situation against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
Slot not only needs to be a strategist, but also plays the role of a psychologist. He emphasized to his students that Liverpool is "only" being led 0-2 - a way to maintain confidence. However, reality is much harsher. A Liverpool that has not had a single shot on target in Paris now needs at least two goals, or even more.
The Dutch coach has given figures to strengthen confidence. In the last 49 home matches, Liverpool scored two or more goals in 36 matches. However, he also acknowledged an important reality: "We did not meet PSG in all those matches". The last time they faced the French team at Anfield, Liverpool was silent and eliminated.
Therefore, Slot is looking towards more positive memories - such as the comeback against Galatasaray, when Liverpool scored four goals at home to reverse the situation. A similar scenario, although difficult, is still what they aim for.
However, the challenge is still very big. PSG has scored in 17 consecutive matches and rarely "turns off" in attack. That forces Liverpool to find the perfect balance between attack and defense - something they did not do in the first leg when they only controlled the ball 26%.
One of Slot's major tactical problems lies in dealing with two dangerous full-backs of PSG, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi. The 5-defender formation used in the first leg was to limit them, but it made The Kop lack a full-side attack option. When returning to the attacking formation against Fulham, Mohamed Salah and Rio Ngumoha both scored - opening up a difficult choice problem for Slot.
No matter which option they choose, the requirement of defense from the front line is mandatory. Slot reiterated Liverpool's tradition with strikers who know how to press like Ian Rush, Kevin Keegan or recently Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. This is a factor that Liverpool currently sometimes lacks.
In addition to tactics, Slot also places great faith in the atmosphere at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai affirmed: "It will not just be 11 players, but the whole stadium".
The Hungarian midfielder also has a personal memory of comebacks, when he once scored the decisive goal to help the Hungarian team overcome Iceland in the 90+2 minute. But he admits this challenge is even bigger: "This could be the biggest comeback in my career".
Liverpool's hope may be slim, but it is not without basis. They have defeated big opponents such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan or Arsenal this season.
We believe we can do something special. But to do it, we must be really special, because the opponent is the European champion. That makes things more difficult, but not impossible" - Slot concluded.
