LIVERPOOL, England - Liverpool manager Arne Slot identified a persistent season-long struggle to convert chances into goals as the reason for their Champions League exit. The Reds were eliminated by Paris St Germain after a 2-0 home defeat, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate loss.
Despite dominating possession and creating significantly more chances and corners than PSG, Liverpool failed to score. Ousmane Dembele netted twice in the second half for the defending champions.
"Unfortunately, it's one of the many examples of this season where we weren't able to score from the many chances we had," Slot stated. He noted the team underperformed their expected goals (xG) of 1.94, a continuous issue throughout the campaign.
Slot also cited a controversial VAR decision that overturned a penalty and a potential injury to striker Hugo Ekitike as adding to the team's disappointment.
"Another intervention of the VAR which was not in our favour, and that's also not for the first time this season," he commented.
The return of Alexander Isak, making his first start since a broken leg in December, was seen by Slot as an indicator of what the team has missed. Isak was twice close to scoring.
Slot expressed optimism about the team's future, emphasizing their ability to compete with top European sides and dominate at home. He concluded, "Chances is one thing, scoring is a second."
Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, faces rivals Everton on Sunday.