Ex-Liverpool star sends warning to PSG after Champions League last-16 first leg – as he compares Reds to POPEYE when they play at ‘special’ Anfield

Mamadou Sakho has poured cold water on PSG‘s hopes of overturning a 1-0 deficit in their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool.

Sakho, 35, played for both clubs during his career – which remains ongoing at Georgian side Torpedo Kutaisi – and is perfectly placed to give insight on the clash.

Arne Slot‘s side picked up a 1-0 win in the first leg in Paris on Wednesday night, despite PSG dominating the game, with Reds keeper Alisson putting in a stunning performance.

This means Luis Enrique’s young side will have to win next week in the return leg at Anfield, a ground that can be one of the most hostile in Europe.

PSG have gained credit for their recent form, with the French giants clicking into gear in Europe following a slow start to the competition, while they are 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

And, Sakho, who played 201 times for PSG before joining Liverpool in 2013, spoke about the Parisians’ hopes of progressing. 

Arne Slot’s side won 1-0 in the first leg of the last-16 clash, despite PSG dominating the game 

There have been question marks over how PSG’s young side will cope next week at Anfield

‘Anfield is not a game. It’s special, it’s like a gladiatorial arena,’ he told French outlet L’Equipe. 

‘You have a Liverpool team there who, when they enter the field, are the equivalent of Popeye opening his can of spinach,’ before he laughed. 

Popeye, a sailor, is an iconic cartoon character that gained superhuman strength when he ate spinach.

’90 minutes there is something to remember,’ Sakho added. ‘Whatever the scenario on the way back, Parisians will remember it. They will realise how special this stadium is.’

Several of PSG’s young squad including Warren Zaire-Emery (18), Bradley Barcola (22), Desire Doue (19) and Nuno Mendes (22) have limited, if no, experience of Anfield, leading to questions over whether they will be able to deal with the challenge.

However, Sakho did go onto insist that he didn’t think this would be a problem and highlighted how the squad’s senior stars will be key.

‘There are players like Marquinhos and Dembele who have the ability to handle this type of match,’ Sakho said.

Sakho said Liverpool are like the iconic cartoon character Popeye when they play at Anfield

Luis Enrique’s side have gained significant praise for their development in recent times

Sakho opened up on Anfield’s famous atmosphere and said PSG’s senior stars will be crucial

‘(They also have the ability to handle) this type of atmosphere and to look after the less experienced players.’

Sakho would go onto play 80 times for Liverpool, before he joined Crystal Palace in 2017 after falling out with Jurgen Klopp.

The centre back, who also won 29 caps for France, impressed over four years at Selhurst Park.

He subsequently joined Montpellier and then linked up with Torpedo last summer.