The atmosphere surrounding Liverpool couldn't be more different as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals this Wednesday. Just a year ago, the Reds were cruising toward a Premier League title, with new manager Arne Slot being hailed and Mohamed Salah in scintillating form. Now, the narrative has flipped dramatically.

Liverpool arrives in Paris reeling from a brutal 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, a result that prompted captain Virgil van Dijk to publicly state his team "gave up." Out of the domestic title race and sitting fifth in the league, the pressure is mounting on Slot, with speculation swirling about his future and the impending departure of star forward Salah.

This stands in stark contrast to their last meeting with PSG in the round of 16. Back then, it was the French giants who were under scrutiny, having barely navigated their group stage. A tense, penalty-shootout victory over Liverpool at Anfield, however, proved to be a turning point for PSG, instilling a belief that they could finally conquer Europe.

For Liverpool, that agonizing exit seemed to mark the beginning of a slide. The current campaign has seen a notable dip in form and cohesion, leaving them as clear underdogs for the first leg. PSG midfielder Vitinha even referenced last year's tie, noting how Liverpool's goalkeeper was the standout performer.

Despite PSG's domestic dominance and Liverpool's struggles, the Parisians are publicly downplaying any favorite status. As one club official pointed out, the media labeled them underdogs last year, too. For Liverpool, this European clash represents a critical opportunity to halt their alarming slide and salvage a season that is rapidly slipping away. The stakes at the Parc des Princes couldn't be higher.