Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray in the first leg of its Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, with Arne Slot's side now facing an uphill battle to progress
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
10:07, 11 Mar 2026
Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaks after the defeat to Galatasaray
Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaks after the defeat to Galatasaray(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot accepted responsibility for Liverpool's latest loss but insisted his players must also learn to convert their chances if they wish to progress in the Champions League.
The Reds endured a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray on Tuesday for the second occasion this campaign after Mario Lemina nodded in the only goal of the encounter after seven minutes in the first leg of their last-16 clash at Rams Park.
Florian Wirtz spurned a couple of superb chances early on, Alexis Mac Allister and Hugo Ekitike missed presentable opportunities in the second period, while Ibrahima Konate had a scrappy equalizer ruled out for what was deemed to be handball.
READ MORE: Florian Wirtz makes promise to Liverpool fans before Champions League second leg vs. GalatasarayREAD MORE: Arne Slot outlines VAR 'frustration' as Liverpool claim made after Galatasaray
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 campaign that Slot's side have dropped a match after falling behind first and the manager acknowledged it was down to him to improve in those circumstances.
Galatasaray won in Instabul on Tuesday
Galatasaray won in Instabul on Tuesday(Image: Getty Images)
"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."
Slot 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 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.
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"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 over performance and that with the help of our fans has to lead to a good game next week."
Galatasaray will be without any supporters inside Anfield for next Wednesday's second leg following a UEFA sanction regarding behavior from numerous fans who traveled to Juventus in the preceding round.