Arne Slot names the person to blame after Liverpool defeat to Galatasaray | Football | Sport
Arne Slot took responsibility for Liverpool‘s most recent setback, but insists his players must also learn to take their chances if they wish to extend their Champions League campaign. The Reds endured a 1-0 loss at Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, losing by the same scoreline as they did in September, after Mario Lemina nodded in the solitary goal seven minutes into the first leg of their last-16 clash at Rams Park.
Florian Wirtz spurned a couple of outstanding chances early on, Alexis Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike missed presentable opportunities in the second period, and Ibrahima Konate saw a scrappy leveller ruled out for what was deemed to be handball. And Slot said: “We started the game really well, even better than three months ago. We had three or four great moments, the biggest moment when Florian came across almost an open goal but he couldn’t finish that ball.
“We weren’t able to score and like last time, with their first attack it led to a corner and you have to give credit to the way when they get a chance they play it like it’s the last chance of their lives.”
Tuesday represented the 12th occasion this season that Slot’s team have lost a match after falling behind first and the manager acknowledged it was down to him to improve in those circumstances.
“It’s 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,” he added.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a frustration but it’s a situation we are facing and I’m responsible for it, and we’ve been facing it for much of the season. We created enough to score a goal. We scored one and it was overturned by the VAR.”
The Liverpool head coach continued: “I don’t think they had a lot of chances in the second half. They have good players and good teams will always create chances.
“They scored five goals against Juventus so that tells you what they are capable of. We have had very good chances, one on ones against the goalkeeper and unfortunately we couldn’t score.
“I have to give credit to how they defended. They keep on fighting and put themselves in front of the ball. What I do know is now it’s half-time. We have lost here twice 1-0 and the good thing is the next game isn’t played here, it’s played at Anfield and our fans can create a similar atmosphere.
“I don’t think it’s possible so many things can go against us as they have the last two games (against Galatasaray). Things will be more normal in the home game.
“And I also think we can improve our performance and that with the help of our fans has to lead to a good game next week.”
Galatasaray will have no supporters present at Anfield for next Wednesday’s second leg, following a UEFA decision regarding the behaviour of numerous fans who travelled to Juventus in the previous round.
