Liverpool face 'worst possible tie' against 'best PSG team I've seen' in UEFA Champions League, warns Joe Cole
Updated 05/03/2025 at 00:08 GMT
Liverpool go to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole doesn't think they could have been given a worse tie. Premier League leaders Liverpool finished top of the table in the group stages, but now face a hazardous test. The game at the Parc des Princes is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Best PSG team I’ve seen will provide real tough game for Liverpool - Cole
Video credit: TNT Sports
Joe Cole believes this current Paris Saint-Germain team is the best PSG he has seen, with Liverpool facing the worst possible tie in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool, who are storming towards the Premier League title, would have banked on a more comfortable tie than playing PSG at this stage having finished top of the table in the group stages.
The first leg is in Paris on Wednesday night, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with the return game at Anfield next week.
And TNT Sports pundit Cole is impressed with the French team right now. Like Liverpool, they are 13 points clear in their domestic league and will be desperate to win the club's first ever European Cup.
"I think it's as good a PSG team as I've seen," Cole said.
"They've come in with massive expectations, they've tried to do the Galacticos, throw all the great players together, ignoring when they have the real gold in their city, with these young players, [Bradley] Barcola, [Ousmane] Dembele. There are countless players in the squad contributing.
"I think this is a real tough game for Liverpool. It's not one they would've wanted at this stage of the competition. Having said that, I still feel they're the strongest side outside of Real Madrid in the competition.
"So I feel like the game is set up. If PSG beat Liverpool now, they've got a real chance of winning this competition."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could not have dreamt of a better first season in charge.
His team is 13 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and face a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Cole says that with the league title pretty much in the bag, Liverpool can really focus on their big games in Europe.
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Arne Slot takes his Liverpool team to Paris on Wednesday night
Image credit: Getty Images
"They wouldn't have expected to be in this situation, where they can probably be winning the Premier League at a canter. Thirteen points by March, it's done. Liverpool have won the title.
"So they can rest players, they can manage their squad and peak in games like this.
"But having said that, this is the worst possible tie for them. They are expected to win, but this is no pushover, because this is the best PSG team I've seen."
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Stream the 2024-25 Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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