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Liverpool will lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week, a match that could play a decisive role in determining the future of manager Arne Slot.

Despite a convincing 2-0 victory over Fulham, Slot expressed a hint of frustration during his post-match press conference regarding yet another injury setback. Midfielder Curtis Jones, who made his first league start in nearly two months after being sidelined, was forced off at half-time. “I would almost say, ‘Welcome to our season’,” remarked Slot. “Every time after a win, or after something good happens, there’s always an injury following it up, but it’s a win, and that’s what we should be really happy about.”

Slot’s comments carry weight on both counts. Liverpool have endured a series of injury troubles this season, though such challenges are part of football and can often be managed through training and fitness strategy. Still, the Dutchman was right in focusing on the positives. The win, secured by goals from young Rio Ngumoha and veteran Mohamed Salah, was exactly what Liverpool needed heading into a crucial week. To overturn a 2-0 deficit in their Champions League quarter-final against PSG, this performance served as ideal preparation.

Slot managed to rest five key first-team players, ensuring Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike – none of whom played a single minute on Saturday – will be fresh for Tuesday’s clash at Anfield. Liverpool also managed to record a rare clean sheet, their first in the league since December, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili’s first since facing Real Madrid in November. For Salah, his goal marked his first league strike since early March, taking his season tally to 20 goal contributions. Remarkably, he has achieved that milestone in all nine of his seasons at the club. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ngumoha etched his name into Anfield folklore by becoming the youngest player ever to score a home league goal for Liverpool, offering an unpredictable edge on the left flank that Cody Gakpo has struggled to provide.

Ngumoha’s goal was a delight to watch, as he weaved past defenders before curling a precise finish into the far corner. His strike broke Raheem Sterling’s record as Liverpool’s youngest home league goalscorer, and his playing style drew inevitable comparisons to Sterling’s early days. The big question now is whether Slot will take the bold step of starting Ngumoha against PSG at Anfield on Tuesday night. “Yeah, I think he’s ready,” said Slot when asked if the teenager might start, before tempering expectations: “Now the question of course is, can he do this two days later again? Would he be able to play and perform at that level? Expecting a 17-year-old to play three games in seven days – you could question if that’s realistic, especially for those who saw the intensity in Paris.”

While the idea of starting Ngumoha is exciting in theory, Slot will likely opt for experience in his attacking lineup. Ekitike is expected to return as the central striker, while Florian Wirtz will probably start either on the left or in a central attacking role. Salah, who surprisingly didn’t feature in the away leg, is almost certain to return to the starting XI. Gakpo will also be in contention, but a front three featuring Wirtz on the left, Dominik Szoboszlai behind Ekitike, and Salah on the right appears most logical. That setup would leave Ngumoha and Alexander Isak as potential impact substitutes from the bench.

As for Slot’s job security, reports from Merseyside journalists suggest the club’s hierarchy remains supportive of the 47-year-old beyond this season. However, should Liverpool suffer another setback and face what would be their 18th defeat across all competitions, opinions could shift. Still, Saturday’s win over Fulham, combined with Chelsea’s heavy loss to Manchester City, has boosted Liverpool’s top-four hopes. With a four-point cushion and six league games remaining, Liverpool now control their destiny in the race for next season’s Champions League qualification.

Whether a fifth-place finish would be enough to secure Slot’s long-term position remains to be seen. One thing is certain: a victory against PSG on Tuesday would significantly strengthen his standing at Anfield. However, overcoming a PSG side that has looked as dominant as Barcelona under Pep Guardiola will be no easy task.