‘I’m ready for Osimhen, Galatasaray showdown’ – Liverpool boss Slot

By Tolulope Oke

Arne Slot says Liverpool F.C. are ready to face the hostile atmosphere at Galatasaray S.K. when both sides clash in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 later today.

Slot admitted his players were stunned by the intimidating crowd in Istanbul earlier this season when Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1-0 during the group stage at Rams Park.

The Turkish champions, led in attack by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, are famous for their passionate supporters, who create one of the loudest atmospheres in European football.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Slot said Liverpool are now better prepared after experiencing the intensity of the stadium during their previous visit.

“These fans over here are very impressive. We noticed that when we played here,” Slot told reporters.

“The good thing is we’ve experienced it already once now. When you have the ball, the whistling is so loud. That was new for me and even for many of my experienced players.”

He added that while the fans create a difficult environment, Liverpool must focus on the quality of the Galatasaray players on the pitch.

“We don’t only play against the fans, we play against 11 very good players with a very good manager,” he said.

Tuesday’s clash will also mark Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool. A victory would see him break the record set by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish for the most wins in a manager’s first 100 matches at the club.

Liverpool will however be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Federico Chiesa due to injury and illness respectively.

The winner of the tie will face either Chelsea F.C. or defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain F.C. in the next round.