Manager Arne Slott has taken responsibility for Liverpool’s recent setbacks but insisted his players must learn to take chances if they want to extend their Champions League campaign. The Reds endured a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray on Tuesday night, losing by the same scoreline as in September, after Mario Lemina scored the only goal seven minutes into the first leg of the last-16 clash at Rams Park.
Florian Wirtz thwarted some great chances early on, Alexis Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike missed great chances in the second period and Ibrahima Konate was ruled out for a handball, a poor leveller. Slott said: “The start of the game was really good, even better than three months ago. There were three or four great moments. The biggest moment was when Florian almost scored the first goal but couldn’t finish the ball.”
“We didn’t score and, like last time, their first attack led to a corner kick. When they got their chance, they should be praised for playing as if it was their last chance.”
Tuesday was the 12th time this season that Slott’s team lost a game after going ahead, and the coach admitted it’s up to him to improve in those situations.
“That’s definitely something we have to learn. Sometimes we get chances, but it looks like we think we can get another 10 points. It’s already difficult coming here, but losing 1-0 makes it even more difficult,” he added.
“I won’t say it’s frustrating, but this is the situation we’re in and I’m responsible for that and we’ve been in that situation for most of the season. We produced enough to score a goal. We scored one but it was overturned by VAR.”
Liverpool’s head coach continued: “I don’t think they had many chances in the second half. They have good players and good teams always create chances.”
“They scored five goals against Juventus, so you can see what they are capable of. We had very good chances one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but unfortunately we couldn’t score.
“I have to give credit to their defense. They kept fighting and put themselves in front of the ball. All I know is it’s half-time. We’ve lost 1-0 here twice, but the good thing is that the next game won’t be played here, it’ll be at Anfield and our fans will be able to create a similar atmosphere.”
“With the last two games left (against Galatasaray), I don’t think so many things can go against us. Things will be more normal for home games.”
“And I think with the help of the fans we can improve our performance and that should lead to a good game next week.”
Galatasaray will not have any supporters at Anfield for next Wednesday’s second leg, following UEFA’s decision regarding the behavior of the large number of fans who traveled to Juventus last week.
