‘Play like that in Paris…’ – Stephen Warnock fears Liverpool’s season could still hit a new low

Stephen Warnock has issued a stark warning to his former club, declaring that a repeat of Liverpool’s limp showing at Brighton could lead to a record-equalling rout when they meet Paris Saint-Germain in next month’s Champions League quarter-finals. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the 2-0 reverse at the Amex Stadium, the ex-Anfield full-back pulled no punches, labelling Arne Slot’s side “soft” and “easy to play against” and claiming the European champions could inflict double-digit damage if Liverpool fail to raise their level.

Saturday’s loss, which pushed Liverpool into double figures for Premier League defeats this season, was salvaged from heavier embarrassment only by the reflexes of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who repelled several Brighton attempts. The Seagulls managed seven shots on target and scored twice, but Warnock believes the damage would have been far worse against a PSG attack that plundered eight goals past Chelsea in the previous round and has struck 34 times in 12 continental fixtures this term.

“If they go and play like that in Paris, it could be 10-0,” Warnock said. “That’s how bad Liverpool were today. Brighton weren’t clinical and tried to walk it in, but PSG will be clinical. It’s very, very worrying for Liverpool.”

The two-legged tie, scheduled for early April, arrives at a juncture when Slot’s squad appear at their lowest ebb. Twelve months ago Liverpool pushed PSG to penalties in Europe; now they must confront the French giants while mired in domestic inconsistency. The upcoming international break offers brief respite, yet the looming prospect of facing Kylian Mbappé and company twice in seven days already casts a long shadow over Anfield.

Liverpool’s recent European form provides a glimmer of hope: they have toppled Real Madrid at Anfield and defeated Serie A pace-setters Inter Milan on the road. Those performances prove the capability exists to trouble Luis Enrique’s outfit, but Warnock insists the side must shed the fragility evident on the south coast to avoid a humiliation that would eclipse any disappointment endured so far this campaign.

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