Steven Gerrard Criticizes Liverpool Star After ‘Cruel’ PSG Goal

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 9, 2026 3:25 AM ET

Steven Gerrard Criticizes Liverpool Star After ‘Cruel’ PSG Goal

Steven Gerrard singled out Ibrahima Konate for a lost duel after Paris Saint-Germain’s opener on April 8, 2026. The Champions League semi-final first leg kicked off at Parc des Princes at 8pm.

The opening goal

PSG broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Desire Doue dinked the ball over Giorgi Mamardashvili from the edge of the box.

Vitinha drove into midfield and combined quickly with Nuno Mendes. That move released Doue on the left, who wrong-sided Konate and ran into space.

Play moved briefly through Ousmane Dembele before the ball returned to Doue. A shot from the edge sailed over the goalkeeper and ended in the net.

Ryan Gravenberch went down in the path and a deflection off his trailing leg altered the ball’s trajectory. The finish was later described as unlucky by several observers.

Gerrard’s analysis

Steven Gerrard, speaking on TNT Sports, criticised a Liverpool star after PSG’s ‘cruel’ goal. He said Konate could have won the duel earlier in the move.

Gerrard argued Liverpool’s backline was out of sync and missing tight marking. He felt the collective shape allowed PSG room to create the chance.

The former Liverpool captain also questioned Giorgi Mamardashvili’s starting position. Gerrard suggested the goalkeeper might have been a foot or yard further back to better deal with the shot.

Team selection and match implications

Arne Slot omitted several key names from the starting XI for the fixture. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo began the match on the bench.

Slot instead selected a front three of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Alexander Isak returned to the bench for the first time since a December leg fracture suffered against Tottenham Hotspur.

PSG extended their lead in the 65th minute when Kvaratskhelia scored to make it 2-0. Liverpool now face the second leg at Anfield on April 14, 2026.