Achraf Hakimi should feel full force of Anfield after disrespecting Liverpool last season - opinion
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Liverpool players and fans should not need any more motivation to be up for Tuesday’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain.The tie is make-or-break for the Reds’ season and arguably Arne Slot’s time as head coach, with the potential for a famous turnround set to get the best out of Anfield.But if anyone was heading into the match feeling somewhat apathetic towards PSG and their players, then they would do well to remember the disrespect Achraf Hakimi showed Liverpool last year, planting a flag bearing the badge of the French club in the centre circle at Anfield. With the Reds out and the stadium emptying, Hakimi mostly got away with this blatant and needless performance, but as he returns this week, Liverpool fans should ensure he feels the full force of a hostile Anfield reception.
2-0 down vs PSG, it's going to be some ask from here… Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images Hakimi must not be allowed to repeat flag trickWhen Hakimi produced the flag after the PSG celebrations last season, and subsequently placed it on the Anfield turf, the Liverpool stewards did their best to stop him.After the Moroccan slapped it on top of the centre circle, it was removed. However, he was then allowed to snatch it back and parade it in front of the stands once again.Though boos did ring out from those still in the stadium, Hakimi was soon mobbed by his teammates, and, with the taste of victory fresh in his mouth, he must have felt he had got away with it.Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Gary Lineker urges Arne Slot to listen to Liverpool fans and take a gamble with PSG selectionBut though he looks likely to end up on the winning team once again, Liverpool fans can throw Hakimi off his game by making it clear what they think of him from the very first minute of the game.One of the best players of the first-leg last week, these little things can make a difference in what could be a tight game, and if there is any way Liverpool fans can give their team the edge, then they have to take it.Reds fans have their tails up going into the game after beating Fulham on home turf this weekend.
As a result, the stadium is likely to be bouncing on Tuesday.Any touch from PSG will be booed and whistled in an attempt to knock the European champions off their stride, but after his shameless antics last season, Hakimi should be singled out for special attention. Liverpool fans do not take well to people bad-mouthing their club, and as he awaits another trip to Merseyside, Hakimi should be shown in no uncertain terms that his disrespect has not been forgotten.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox