Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called for perspective after his team suffered a second consecutive loss, falling 1-0 to Galatasaray in a Champions League encounter. The defeat in Istanbul, coming just days after a league setback, marks a rare stumble for the side under manager Arne Slot.
A first-half penalty proved decisive on the night, compounding a difficult period for the Merseyside club. The team’s concerns were further heightened by injuries to key players. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson was forced off with a muscular issue, with Slot later confirming he is almost certain to miss the upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea. Forward Hugo Ekitiké also left the pitch with an apparent leg injury.
Despite the disappointing result, Van Dijk struck a determined tone. He acknowledged the need for the squad to elevate their performances but expressed strong belief in the group’s quality and resilience. The defender emphasized the importance of unity and continuous effort, pointing to the team’s strong points tally earlier in the campaign as a foundation to build upon.
Manager Arne Slot offered a nuanced view of the performance, distinguishing it from the weekend’s loss. He noted several positive aspects in the first half but conceded that his team found it increasingly difficult to create clear opportunities as the match progressed. Slot also explained that the decision to use Mohamed Salah as a second-half substitute was a precautionary measure, intended to manage the forward’s fitness following a heavy recent schedule.
