Arne Slot frustrated by sloppy Liverpool in 1-0 Galatasaray defeat

ISTANBUL – Manager Arne Slot was left to rue Liverpool’s sloppy finishing as Galatasaray earned a 1-0 win in their Champions League last-16, first-leg tie on March 10.

Slot’s side lost to Mario Lemina’s header early in the first half at the Ali Sami Yen in Istanbul.

The Reds were fortunate not to be further behind before half-time as Galatasaray created a host of chances to increase their lead.

Liverpool improved after the interval, with Ibrahima Konate’s strike disallowed for handball.

Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, produced an anonymous display and was hauled off after an hour in his record 81st Champions League appearance for the club.

“We started the game really well,” said Slot. “We had three or four great moments. The biggest moment when Florian (Wirtz) came across almost an open goal, but he couldn’t finish that ball.

“We weren’t able to score and with their first attack, it led to a corner and you have to give credit to the way when they get a chance. They played as if it’s the last chance of their lives.

“That is definitely something we can learn from. We sometimes get our chances and it comes across like we think we’ll get 10 more.

“It’s already a difficult place to come to, but when you’re 1-0 down, it makes it even harder.”

Languishing sixth in the English Premier League, Liverpool hope to salvage a turbulent campaign by winning the Champions League, but this was the latest in a long line of erratic displays.

Slot also bemoaned the controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision to rule out Konate’s goal, claiming “it’s not possible so many things can go against us” as they have in their two trips to Galatasaray, where his team also lost in the league stage earlier this season.

The Dutchman hinted that referee Jesus Gil Manzano was influenced by the febrile atmosphere created by Galatasaray’s frenzied fans.

“It’s always very difficult to talk to referees in a situation like that as they’re in communication with VAR so have to listen to what is being said,” he said.

“If it’s correct that the goal was disallowed, which is difficult to judge as I’ve heard different opinions from people, it’s not completely obvious, but let’s say that decision is right.”

On the other hand, Slot felt that a tug on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during the corner that led to the Konate incident was worthy of a penalty.

Insisting it was the kind of challenge that would usually be punished in the Champions League, he said: “You look at how much they pulled on Virgil’s shirt before the ball hit Ibou’s arm, then it’s safe to say we weren’t the only ones impressed by the atmosphere here today.

“In the Premier League, there is much more allowed than in the Champions League.

“That’s why I was so surprised it wasn’t a penalty because in all the other incidents where he thought he saw something when we made a foul and he was so fast to blow his whistle and give Galatasaray a free kick.”

Slot, however, remained optimistic about the return leg at Anfield on March 18.

“The second leg will be at our home. And that’s definitely an advantage for us,” he said. “Everything is in our hands when we’re at home. We’ll be playing there to advance to the next round.”

Galatasaray had reached the last 16 after beating Juventus 7-5 on aggregate in the play-offs, while Liverpool qualified directly after finishing third in the league phase.

The Turkish champions struck after seven minutes when Lemina nodded home after Victor Osimhen headed a corner back across goal.

“I am grateful to my teammates and all our fans. We wanted to win by fighting hard, just like in the first match (in the league phase). And we did,” said Lemina, who earned the Player of the Match award. AFP, REUTERS