Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday with Arne Slot pointing the blame at the defeat after numerous missed chances
10:07, 11 Mar 2026
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 10: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts as he speaks to the media in a post match press conference following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot accepted responsibility for the Galatasaray defeat(Image: Burak Kara - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Arne Slot accepted blame for Liverpool's recent loss, but insisted that his players must also learn to capitalise on their opportunities if they wish to prolong their Champions League campaign.
The Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray on Tuesday night for the second time this season after Mario Lemina netted the sole goal of the match seven minutes into the first leg of their last-16 tie at Rams Park. Florian Wirtz missed a couple of golden chances early on, Alexis Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike squandered decent opportunities in the second half, whilst Ibrahima Konate had a scrappy equaliser ruled out for handball.
Slot commented: "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.
Galatasaray's Gabonese midfielder #99 Mario Lemina (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex in Istanbul on March 10, 2026. (Photo by YASIN AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images)
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Mario Lemina's goal gives Galatasaray an aggregate lead going into the second leg(Image: YASIN AKGUL, AFP via Getty Images)
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"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 marked the 12th occasion this season that Slot's team have lost a match after conceding first and the manager conceded it was his responsibility to improve in those situations.
"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.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - MARCH 10: Mario Lemina (L) of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-off first leg match between Galatasaray and Liverpool at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye, on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Elif Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Liverpool's missed chances came back to haunt them(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
"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 added: "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.
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"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.