Liverpool returned from Istanbul with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, a result that will raise concerns about the Reds’ form, cohesion, and defensive stability.
Here’s five things learnt from Istanbul
1) A performance full of warning signs
Liverpool’s display in Istanbul was verging on the alarming. The defence looked unsettled, and the new signings are yet to fully integrate into the squad. Galatasaray, by contrast, were organised and deserved the victory. The Reds rarely threatened despite holding possession for long periods, and their attacking play often looked disjointed, with few standout moments apart from Ekitike’s link-up play.
Fireworks outside Liverpool’s hotel and a vocal Galatasaray crowd created an intense atmosphere before kick-off, with players met by whistles during their pitch inspection. While the atmosphere may have had some impact, it is clear that deeper issues are affecting Liverpool’s cohesion.
As Daniel Sturridge noted on Amazon Prime, “You can see the chemistry is not right. But now is not the time to panic.”
2) Salah omission and attacking struggles
Mohamed Salah’s absence from the starting XI raised eyebrows. Slot explained the decision was tactical, aiming to preserve players for the upcoming Premier League clash at Chelsea. Jeremie Frimpong started in a more advanced role, but he failed to inject the energy and unpredictability expected. Crosses lacked quality, and the attack as a whole was too predictable.
Florian Wirtz, operating centrally as a number 10, showed glimpses of promise. He found pockets of space and created some opportunities, though his final-third execution lacked conviction. His best effort came in the first half with a shot saved by Urgucan Cakir.
3) Defensive fragility and injuries
Ibrahima Konate showed some improvement compared to recent performances, but his errors still proved costly. Osimhen should have scored after Konate’s loose pass, which also led to Alisson’s injury. Joe Gomez warmed up at half-time but was not brought on, raising questions about whether a change in personnel could help stabilise the backline. Konate’s form continues to be a concern, and a break from the spotlight may be necessary for both the player and the team.
Liverpool suffered another setback in their Champions League campaign as Alisson Becker was forced off during the second half of their 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray. The Brazilian goalkeeper went down after making a vital save from Victor Osimhen, following a poor pass from Ibrahima Konate that played Galatasaray into a dangerous position. Despite making the save, Alisson required treatment on the pitch and was eventually replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The severity of Alisson’s injury is yet to be confirmed, but the Brazilian has had a history of long-term layoffs in recent years, making this a concerning development for Liverpool. Moments later, Hugo Ekitike also required treatment and was replaced by Alexis Mac Allister, compounding Arne Slot’s injury headache. The Reds are already without young defender Giovanni Leoni, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL against Southampton last week.
4) Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool’s lone bright spark
Hugo Ekitike was at the heart of nearly every meaningful attacking move for Liverpool. From the moment he received the ball, his presence was obvious. He constantly shifted into pockets of space between the lines, drawing defenders and creating openings that the team otherwise failed to exploit. Ekitike’s combination play, movement off the ball, and willingness to drive at the defence made him Liverpool’s most dangerous outlet.
One moment in the first half exemplified his impact: he found himself in an ideal position to finish a cross, only to be denied by a solid save. That single instance captured the story of Liverpool’s night—glimpses of quality amid a broadly underwhelming performance. Ekitike’s positioning, timing of runs, and ability to link with midfield runners demonstrated why Liverpool invested heavily in him, and why he could become central to their attacking strategy if supported adequately.
The striker went off with what looked like an injury but he is confident he only had cramp in his hamstring rather than anything more serious.
5) Looking ahead: Chelsea next
Liverpool now face a significant test at Stamford Bridge, a ground they haven’t won at in five years. With injuries mounting, defensive frailties evident, and attacking cohesion lacking, Arne Slot will need to make urgent adjustments. The pressure is building, and the Reds must rediscover their identity quickly if they are to compete at the level expected of them in both domestic and European competitions.
