Marquinhos sends Liverpool clear Champions League message as PSG create 'perfect scenario’
Paris Saint-Germain continued their winning run on Saturday ahead of Wednesday night's huge Champions League round of 16 clash against Liverpool
Marquinhos was warned Liverpool that Paris Saint-Germain are showing no signs of slowing down following their comfortable 4-1 win against Lille on Saturday evening.
Liverpool face the French club in the round of 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night, with the first leg set to be played at the Parc des Princes. The Premier League leaders will then welcome the Ligue 1 leaders to Anfield on Tuesday, 11 March with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
Although PSG have endured a difficult Champions League campaign so far, winning just half of their league phase matches and having to contest a two-legged play-off tie against domestic rivals Brest to reach the round of 16, they haven't lost a game in any competition since their narrow 1-0 loss away at Bayern Munich at the end of November. Their latest triumph over Lille in Ligue 1 is the latest example of their rich form, which Marquinhos believes is the perfect confidence booster before such a crucial fixture.
"It's a perfect scenario before a match like Liverpool's," he told L'Equipe after scoring the second of their four goals on Saturday night. "We are in great shape, some players have returned to the team, all the lights are green.
"It's a perfect scenario because we win and we have full confidence. We must not stop, the staff push us a lot to do our best.
"I don't know if we sent a message today, our very good form has been going on for a while now. We really wanted to prepare very well for the Champions League and that's what we did.
"The coach is very demanding with us, we have a quality bench and everyone knows that if he is not good he will go to the bench. We really rely on a collective, it's been a long time, we've progressed step by step, and now we're ready to put on great performances like that. But there are always things to improve."
Arne Slot's side will have had a full week off prior to Wednesday night's clash having not played over FA Cup weekend following their elimination to Plymouth Argyle at the beginning of February. Like PSG, the Reds are in good form themselves as they lead the way at the top of the Premier League table and are gearing up for a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United later this month.