Liverpool Coach Arne Slot's Alexander Isak Gamble Backfires Against PSG
Image: VAVEL

Liverpool Coach Arne Slot's Alexander Isak Gamble Backfires Against PSG

13 April, 2026.Sports.33 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Slot started Alexander Isak in attack against PSG, marking his first start since December.
  • PSG beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield, advancing 4-0 on aggregate.
  • Isak gamble backfired, contributing to Liverpool's Champions League exit.

Isak Gamble Backfires

Liverpool's gamble to start Alexander Isak backfired spectacularly as he managed just five touches before being substituted.

Slot admitted before the match that Isak was only fit to play one half.

Image from 90Min
90Min90Min

GOAL.com rated Isak 4/10, noting he was non-existent and nowhere near fit.

The Sun described the decision as a roll of the dice that did not pay off.

Alan Shearer said, He wasn’t hardly involved at all.

Liverpool lost the tie 4-0 on aggregate.

Match Dynamics

PSG looked dangerous from the off despite Liverpool's attacking intent.

Hugo Ekitike was forced off with a suspected Achilles injury.

Image from BBC
BBCBBC

A penalty for Mac Allister was overturned after a pitchside VAR review.

After Isak's substitution, Liverpool built genuine momentum.

Dembele's 72nd-minute strike and stoppage-time goal sealed the tie.

Gakpo immediately carried a greater attacking threat.

Reactions and Analysis

Slot defended his Isak decision, saying he was twice close to scoring.

Critics were scathing, with Laurens calling the line-up complete nonsense.

Warnock said Isak didn't want to get any physical contact alongside Marquinhos.

The Guardian reported European brands faced fresh scrutiny after the Rahman Textile fire.

Stakes and Consequences

Liverpool's season rests on qualifying for the Champions League through the Premier League.

Slot has said failing to qualify would make this season definitely not acceptable.

Image from BBC
BBCBBC

Mohamed Salah waved goodbye to the Anfield crowd.

The club faces commercial challenges with the Rahman Textile fire.

Isak was a microcosm of a season of inconsistency.

He has scored only three times for Liverpool.

More on Sports