Arne Slot believes Liverpool fired a warning shot to Paris Saint-Germain of what it is capable of in a 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray on Wednesday, which set up a Champions League quarterfinal against the holder.

PSG edged past Slot's side on penalties in the round of 16 last season on its way to winning the competition for the first time.

Liverpool was riding high at the top of the Premier League when the sides last met, but has endured a much more difficult second season under Slot.

The Reds currently sit fifth in the English top flight and had to come from behind against Galatasaray after losing the first leg 1-0 in Istanbul.

"They haven't dropped their standards. It was hardly possible for them to improve, but they've been very impressive until now," said Slot on facing the French champion.

"But I think, after tonight, they will not look forward to playing against us."

Liverpool won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes last season, completely against the run of play.

But the roles were reversed as PSG triumphed 1-0 at Anfield, despite a much-improved Liverpool display in the second leg. "We were completely outplayed away from home. I think we played a great game here at Anfield and, in the end, we lost on penalties," added Slot.

Slot's decision to rest a number of key players from the start against Spurs at the weekend paid off.

Salah was one of those to return to the starting lineup and netted his 50th Champions League goal after the disappointment of missing from the spot and a series of other huge chances.

"I think it says a lot about his mentality. He missed a penalty just before halftime, and that was, of course, a difficult moment," said Slot.

"Then to come out in the second half and perform like that. (He provided) a great assist to Hugo and the goal he scored was a trademark of his."

Salah was given a standing ovation when he went off in the second half because of a possible injury, but should have left the field with another goal. Instead, he fired against the bar from close range — a reminder that he is not at his lethal best, and it is uncertain if, at the age of 33, he ever will be again.

Salah's goal took his tally to 10 for the season — well down on the 34 he scored to inspire Liverpool to the Premier League title last term.

Agencies