Galatasaray boss makes 'fear' claim and details injury concern for Liverpool - 'Not really that team'

Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk

Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has urged his team not to show any fear against Liverpool - and wants the Reds to face another wall of noise.

Arne Slot's side are in Istanbul on Tuesday evening to take on the Turkish title holders in their second game of the Champions League opening stage.

While Galatasaray have won all seven domestic games to top the Super Lig, their European campaign opened with a 5-1 thrashing at Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight ago.

And Buruk is not reading too much into Liverpool's dismal showing in losing 2-1 at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Buruk

"It's important not to show fear, to show this unity, and to think the same way when we have the ball and when the opponent has the ball,"

"They're especially good with the ball, but they're incredibly quick in transition. We'll consider all of this, as well as our opponent's attacking strengths, and take precautions against them.

"We'll give it our all and try to put the opponent in a difficult situation. Judging by Liverpool's performance against Crystal Palace, the first half might have ended 5-0. But they're not really that kind of team.

"Players can play poorly, there can be bad matches, bad plans, and there can be moments where the opponent is better. So, instead of focusing on players, we need to look at the team.

"Galatasaray needs to clearly demonstrate its identity starting tomorrow. That's why I have expectations not from one player, but from all players."

Liverpool have played Galatasaray in four previous competitive fixtures, both teams winning one each with two draws.

The 54,000-capacity Rams Park will be the third different stadium in which the Turkish side have hosted the Reds, after playing out a 1-1 draw in the old Ali Sami Yen in 2002 and then winning 3-2 at the Ataturk four years later.

Buruk scored in that victory, and believes the home crowd will have their part to play in trying to unsettle Liverpool.

Buruk

"As a midfielder, I scored a goal from long range against Liverpool,"

"We're expecting that goal from (former Wolves midfielder) Mario (Lemina)!

"Jokes aside, Galatasaray has played some truly great matches. I've been a part of many of them, and I've been a part of some significant successes.

“Now, as a manager, I want to contribute to these successes with my players.

“The atmosphere and environment we create, together with our fans, is crucial. We really need to show that passion.”

"Crystal Palace and Newcastle United were incredibly passionate in their matches against Liverpool. So, we need to show that passion on the pitch. Then, I think the goals will come."

Galatasaray - who will pay tribute to Diogo Jota before the game on Tuesday - have a number of familiar names in their squad, including former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez, ex-Manchester City duo Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan, one-time Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira and captain Mauro Icardi.

A late check, though, will be made on forward Victor Osimhen, who terrorised Liverpool during a 4-1 defeat at Napoli three years ago.

"Victor continued training," said Buruk on Monday.

"We will see how he was in the last training session today.

“The fact that he played 10 minutes in the last match and continued training with us is a positive thing for us. We will look at his condition today and make a decision."

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