Arne Slot believes Liverpool F.C. must be ready to handle a hostile atmosphere when they face Galatasaray S.K. in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Liverpool were beaten 1–0 by Galatasaray at Rams Park during the group stage in September, with the intense noise from the Istanbul crowd leaving a strong impression on the squad.
The Turkish side are famous for their passionate supporters, who once welcomed Manchester United F.C. with a “welcome to hell” banner at the airport ahead of a 1993 European Cup encounter.
Liverpool will again face a fiery environment as Galatasaray host their first Champions League last-16 match since 2014. The Turkish club secured their place in the round after an impressive play-off victory over Juventus F.C..
“These fans over here are very impressive. We noticed that when we played here,” Slot told reporters on Monday.
“The good thing is we’ve experienced it already once now. That is a positive thing, though the Galatasaray players experience it every home game.
“For us it was new. When you have the ball, the whistling is so loud, so loud! That was new for me and even for all of my experienced players.
“The good thing is we’ve already experienced it, but we don’t only play against the fans, 11 very good players with a very good manager.”
The winners of the tie will face either Chelsea F.C. or defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain F.C. in the next round.
Tuesday’s first leg will also mark Slot’s 100th game as Liverpool manager. A victory would see him surpass the club record for wins in the first 100 matches set by legendary boss Kenny Dalglish.
“It makes me really proud that I became Liverpool manager and that it’s going to be my 100th game,” Slot said.
“I don’t think I have a bad track record, although sometimes you get a different feeling about that if I have to listen to everything!
“It’s nice the 100th game is such a nice game to play Champions League, last 16, away to Galatasaray.
“But, as ever, it’s never about the manager, it’s about the players. I try to prepare them as well as the 99 games before, but it’s the players who have to perform.”
Liverpool travelled to Turkey without injured goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Federico Chiesa, who is ill.