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Football

Dominik Szoboszlai calls for fan unity ahead of Liverpool's impossible task against PSG

DAZN

14, Apr

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Dominik Szoboszlai is hoping his teammates can unite Liverpool supporters ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

A 2-0 defeat in Paris last week heaped more pressure on manager Arne Slot, and produced more anger amongst the fans, with protests taking place at Anfield following a controversial ticket price rise.

At the end of March, Liverpool announced that general admission prices will rise for the next three seasons, and as a result, the iconic flags on the KOP are not being displayed before matches, with Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham being the first game of this protest taking effect.

Szoboszlai apologises for misunderstanding in cup defeat

On the pitch, there are concerns as to whether the players are committed to finishing this season on a positive footing.

Szoboszlai has been one of the rare shining lights for this Liverpool team, but following the 4-0 thrashing to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, he gestured towards the travelling support after the final whistle, prompting backlash.

Many believed it was Szoboszlai criticising those who left the Etihad early, with the away section practically empty by the time the match came to an end, but the midfielder has had the chance to address his actions before a pivotal meeting with PSG tonight.

“To make it clear, maybe it was a misunderstanding between me and the fans. I didn't mean it in a bad way,” Szobsozlai said.

“Obviously, I know what the fans mean for this club and what this club means for the fans as well. As a player, we know we do everything for them as well as we do for us.”

“If it was a misunderstanding, then I apologise, but they can feel also that I'm not feeling better than them. I'm feeling exactly the same way like they do and to make it clear that I am with them and we are with them and I think hopefully they are with us as well.”

Liverpool fans can be the difference against PSG

After addressing his actions at the Etihad, Szoboszlai turned his attention towards tonight’s game against PSG.

Overturning a 2-0 first leg deficit to PSG will be some feat, but Liverpool are no strangers to mounting fantasy European comebacks.

The 2005 final against AC Milan is arguably the most famous in the competition’s history, which Liverpool won on penalties after being 3-0 down.

This will closely be followed by the semi-final victory against Barcelona under Jurgen Klopp, 14 years later, where Liverpool won 4-3 after being three goals down after the first leg.

If Liverpool manage to topple the defending champions, then it will be a comeback to savour, and the Hungarian midfielder believes the Liverpool crowd can play a major part in helping the Reds secure a semi-final place.

“Anfield is going to make a big impact tomorrow. We saw it many times during this season, last season and in the past, for sure,” said Szoboszlai during Monday’s press conference.

“It's not going to be only 11 players or the subs who come in. It's going to be the whole stadium.

“We know what it feels like, how it feels to be playing for Liverpool, playing in front of these fans and playing in Anfield. I think we don't need any more motivation. We know what it feels.”

If there is one thing that often gets Liverpool over the line, it’s the close connection between the fans and the players.

With discontent evident away from the pitch, it’s up to the players to bring some positivity, and if they manage to somehow beat PSG, then it will bring much-needed respite to an underwhelming season on Merseyside.