‘Leave him in Paris’ – Liverpool fans rage at Andy Robertson at PSG

Virgil van Dijk was saved from humiliation at the Parc des Princes, thanks to Alisson Becker’s incredible heroics between the sticks. However, the same could not be said for Ibrahima Konate, who endured a torrid evening in a Liverpool shirt. The French defender was fortunate to escape a red card after shoving Bradley Barcola in a moment of frustration.

Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who came close to joining Liverpool in January, thought he had broken the deadlock for Paris Saint-Germain. However, VAR intervened, ruling out the Georgian international’s effort for offside, much to the relief of the Merseyside faithful.

Liverpool endured relentless pressure from the Parisians throughout the encounter but somehow managed to claim a dramatic first-leg victory. The most surprising twist of the night came from Harvey Elliott, who, despite speculation about his future, emerged as Liverpool’s hero with a late winning goal.

While Elliott’s performance stole the headlines, the same could not be said for Andy Robertson. The Scottish left-back, once a fan-favorite and an integral part of Liverpool’s golden era under Jurgen Klopp, suffered a torrid night at the hands of PSG’s dynamic attackers.

Robertson’s struggles were evident as he was consistently targeted by Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, and Kvaratskhelia. The trio tormented him down the flank, exposing his lack of defensive solidity. The Scotsman, who was once revered for his relentless running and aggressive pressing, looked a shadow of his former self.

Liverpool fans, who have long admired Robertson’s contributions to the club’s success, appeared to reach their breaking point after the PSG performance. Many took to social media to voice their frustrations, calling for a long-term replacement at left-back.

Some fans suggested that Robertson’s time as Liverpool’s undisputed starter should come to an end, with one user stating, “This has to be Robertson’s last season as a regular starter.” Another took a more brutal stance, writing, “Please just leave him in Paris.”

The decline in Robertson’s form has been gradual but noticeable this season. Injuries and age seem to have caught up with the former Hull City man, leading to growing concerns about his defensive capabilities. With Liverpool transitioning into a new era under Arne Slot, the club may need to rethink its long-term plans for the left-back position.

Robertson’s situation is reminiscent of several Liverpool legends who have struggled to maintain their level as they approached the twilight of their careers. While his attacking contributions remain valuable, his defensive frailties have been increasingly exposed in high-pressure fixtures.

One of the biggest challenges Liverpool face is finding a suitable replacement. The Reds have Kostas Tsimikas as an alternative, but the Greek international has yet to convince fans that he is ready to be a permanent starter. There have also been rumors linking Liverpool with emerging talents across Europe, but no concrete moves have been made.

As Liverpool prepare for the second leg against PSG, Robertson will need to deliver a much-improved performance if he hopes to silence his critics. A solid showing at Anfield could go a long way in restoring faith in his abilities, but the reality remains that his future at the club is under scrutiny.

Despite the backlash, Robertson’s contributions to Liverpool’s success cannot be overlooked. He was instrumental in the club’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs, forming an elite full-back duo with Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, football is a ruthless sport, and sentiment rarely outweighs performance at the highest level.

Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend and outspoken pundit, has previously emphasized the importance of squad evolution. He has often cited Manchester City’s ability to refresh their squad as a reason for their sustained success. Liverpool may now need to adopt a similar approach if they want to remain competitive at the highest level.

Whether Robertson remains a part of Liverpool’s plans beyond this season remains to be seen. If the club decide to part ways with the Scottish international, he will undoubtedly leave as a modern-day Liverpool legend. However, with the demands of the Premier League increasing, Liverpool cannot afford to carry passengers.

For now, Robertson still has time to turn things around. A strong run of performances in the remainder of the season could change the narrative. However, if his struggles continue, Liverpool fans may get their wish, and his days as an automatic starter could be numbered.

Liverpool’s pursuit of success will ultimately dictate their squad-building decisions. With Klopp’s departure and Slot’s arrival, a new chapter is beginning. Whether Robertson remains a part of that story is a question that only time will answer.