Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has boldly proclaimed Paris Saint-Germain as the "best team in the world" as the Champions League quarter-finals ignite with high-stakes matches. The European football spectacle kicked off this week, featuring Bayern Munich's victory over Real Madrid and Arsenal's triumph against Sporting in their first-leg encounters.
Scholes' Verdict on PSG and Liverpool's Fate
In a candid discussion on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes expressed his admiration for PSG's formidable squad, labeling them the top global team currently. However, he intriguingly suggested that Liverpool, despite their struggles, might pull off a stunning upset in their upcoming clash. "Do you know the weird thing? Liverpool could actually go and beat PSG," Scholes remarked, highlighting the potential for a "special night" at Anfield in the Champions League atmosphere.
He elaborated, "I'm telling you. It wouldn't be the biggest shock. PSG are unbelievable and I still expect them to go through but it wouldn't shock me. It could happen but I can't see it right now."
Pressure Mounts on Liverpool Manager Arne Slot
Scholes did not mince words about the precarious position of Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who is under intense scrutiny less than a year after leading the Reds to the Premier League title. With Liverpool languishing in fifth place and facing a trophy-less season, Scholes warned that a heavy defeat to PSG could spell the end for Slot's tenure. "The manager knows he's in big trouble now, he's not stupid is he? If they go out badly to PSG – and that tie could get messy – then that might be the end of it," he stated.
He further questioned, "Why bother keeping him until the end of the season if you go out of the Champions League? There will be questions if they go out against PSG, especially if it gets messy." Scholes emphasized PSG's dominance, noting, "PSG, I've said it a few times, they're probably the best team in the world. They can hammer teams and if they do that to Liverpool it wouldn't surprise me if they sacked him."
PSG's Response to Favorites Tag
Despite Scholes' praise, PSG have downplayed their status as overwhelming favorites for the Champions League crown. Midfielder Vitinha responded to media hype, saying, "The favorite according to you [the media]. The same way you said last year that Liverpool was. Even if Liverpool are not in their best form they remain a great team with great players."
Manager Luis Enrique echoed this sentiment, asserting, "With the teams, it's impossible to have a favorite. I don't believe it. Who are the favorites? If you remember last year, everyone said it was Liverpool, and the team that qualified [for the next round] was Paris Saint-Germain. For me, there is no favorite."
Champions League Quarter-Finals in Full Swing
The action continues with Barcelona set to face La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, adding to the drama of this week's fixtures. Scholes' comments come amid a backdrop of intense competition, where every match could redefine team legacies and managerial futures.
As football fans worldwide tune in, the spotlight remains firmly on whether Liverpool can defy odds or if PSG will validate Scholes' claim as the planet's premier squad.
