Arne Slot has expressed that Liverpool F.C. is prepared to face the challenging atmosphere at Galatasaray S.K. when the two teams meet in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 later today.
Slot acknowledged that his players were taken aback by the intimidating crowd in Istanbul earlier this season when Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool during the group stage at Rams Park.
The Turkish champions, whose attack is spearheaded by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, are renowned for their passionate supporters, who are known for creating one of the loudest atmospheres in European football.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming match, Slot mentioned that Liverpool is now better equipped after having experienced 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 further added that while the fans create a difficult environment, Liverpool must concentrate on the quality of the Galatasaray players on the field.
“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 as manager of Liverpool. A win would see him surpass the record set by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish for the most victories in a manager’s first 100 matches at the club.
However, Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Federico Chiesa due to injury and illness, respectively.
The winner of this tie will advance to face either Chelsea F.C. or the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., in the next round.
