Arne Slot has revealed why Mohamed Salah remained on the bench throughout Liverpool's 2-0 Champions League defeat to PSG, stating the match had become about "survival" rather than attacking.
The Reds were sunk via goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, giving the Ligue 1 giants a healthy advantage heading into next week's return leg at Anfield.
Salah, who leads Liverpool's scoring charts in this season's competition, was an unused substitute for the first time since December's trip to Leeds.
"I think in the last part of the game, it was more about surviving for us than there was ever a chance that we could score," Slot explained in his post-match press conference.
Five other players were introduced from the 78th minute onwards, including Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson and Trey Nyoni.
Slot elaborated on his decision, suggesting that Salah's exceptional talents would be wasted on purely defensive duties for such an extended period.
"Yeah, you never know, because last season we scored five minutes before the end, Harvey Elliott, when I took Mo off, but I think this was 20-25 minutes where we were only defending," the Liverpool manager said.
Mohamed Salah was rooted to the bench as Liverpool lost to PSG
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He added: "And Mo has so much quality, but for Mo to be 20-25 minutes defending inside his own box, I think it's better for him to save his energy for a lot of games that are coming up in the upcoming weeks."
The decision marks only the second occasion in four matches that Salah has been named among the substitutes.
Despite being outplayed for much of the encounter in Paris, Slot maintained that Liverpool's hopes of progressing to the last four remain intact.
PSG were superior as they beat Liverpool in the Champions League
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Football clubs with the most Champions League titles | GETTYThe head coach acknowledged that PSG had been the superior team but pointed to missed opportunities by the hosts as keeping the tie alive.
"They kept us alive by not scoring a few open chances. And now we can bring the tie back to Anfield," Slot said.
He referenced last season's European exploits, noting that Liverpool had performed "a completely different game" at home and could have led 2-0 within half an hour.
Slot drew parallels with Liverpool's victory over Galatasaray in the previous round, insisting that dramatic turnarounds remain possible in European football.
"Football has shown so many times that everything is possible," he stated.
"Red cards, incidents, penalties yes or no, and don't forget that Anfield can do a lot. Our fans do make a big difference for us."
Arne Slot still feels Liverpool can turn things around against PSG
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PSG boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, was disappointed his side didn't win by more.
“It’s a shame, clearly," he said. "I think we played a match worthy of our fans.
"We played very well, we deserved more goals, and I think it’s a shame because we did some very clear things in the second half. But it’s the Champions League, and you have to remember there’s still the second leg, but we’re happy.
“It’s a surprise; it’s the first time they’ve played with five at the back this year.
"They change a few things, which is normal; opponents adapt to us.
"We’re used to it, there’s no problem. Whatever the match or the stadium, PSG will try to win, as always. We know it will be difficult at Anfield, which is special.”