As the UEFA Champions League group stage continues, one of the most talked-about fixtures of the week will be Galatasaray vs Liverpool in Istanbul. Despite starting the domestic campaign perfectly with seven consecutive victories in the Turkish Süper Lig, Galatasaray’s performance in their narrow win against Alanyaspor raised serious questions. Just days before facing Liverpool, morale in the Turkish champions’ camp has been shaken.
According to Turkish media, five major issues are troubling coach Okan Buruk and his players ahead of this crucial clash. Meanwhile, Liverpool also approach the fixture with caution, with captain Virgil van Dijk warning his teammates about the dangers of facing Galatasaray in their home stadium.
1. Okan Buruk’s Tactical Dilemma
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has been under scrutiny for his tactical decisions. His preference for a three-man defense once again failed to convince critics. In the game against Alanyaspor, the formation looked risky and unbalanced, leaving the backline exposed.
Additionally, his substitutions during the match were widely criticized. In the final moments, Galatasaray struggled to maintain control, raising doubts about Buruk’s ability to make the right in-game adjustments. Facing a tactically disciplined side like Liverpool, these weaknesses could prove costly.
2. Leroy Sané’s Struggles
Signed as a star reinforcement with a salary reportedly around €12 million per year, Leroy Sané has yet to deliver the performances expected of him. His recent displays have been underwhelming, with fitness concerns and visible physical deficiencies standing out.
Sané’s struggles have worried Galatasaray supporters, who expected him to become a key attacking weapon in Europe. Unless he finds form quickly, Buruk’s side may lack the creativity needed to unlock Liverpool’s defense.
3. Barış Alper Yılmaz’s Decline
Once hailed as one of Turkey’s brightest young stars, Barış Alper Yılmaz has seen his development stall. The player’s involvement in transfer rumors and missed training sessions appear to have taken a toll on his mental and physical condition.
Although he has shown flashes of quality in the Süper Lig, his overall impact has diminished. Against a team like Liverpool, where every mistake is punished, Yılmaz’s lack of consistency could be a major liability.
4. Mauro Icardi Still Not Fully Fit
Despite scoring a classy goal in the match against Alanyaspor, star striker Mauro Icardi is still not at his physical best. His lack of full fitness not only reduces his own impact but also disrupts Galatasaray’s overall defensive balance, as he is unable to press with intensity.
Liverpool’s backline, led by Virgil van Dijk, will surely look to exploit Icardi’s limited mobility. For Galatasaray, having their star forward below his peak level ahead of such a crucial match is a major setback.
5. Midfield Concerns: Gabriel Sara and Mario Lemina Out of Form
Perhaps the biggest headache for Buruk is in midfield. Gabriel Sara and Mario Lemina have both failed to meet expectations so far this season. Their lack of control and physical dominance has left Lucas Torreira isolated, forcing him to carry the midfield almost single-handedly.
Against Liverpool’s high-energy midfield, this imbalance could be disastrous. Unless Sara and Lemina step up, Galatasaray risk losing the battle in the center of the pitch, which could ultimately decide the outcome of the match.
Van Dijk’s Warning to Liverpool Teammates
While Galatasaray struggle with internal issues, Liverpool are also entering the game on the back of their first Premier League defeat of the season, a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in stoppage time.
Following the defeat, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk spoke to the media and issued a warning about their upcoming trip to Istanbul:
“We are disappointed with the way we lost against Crystal Palace. But we can’t dwell on it too long. On Tuesday, we face Galatasaray in Turkey, which will be a very difficult match. We must be prepared and focused.”
The Dutch defender emphasized the need for mental strength, saying:
“I’ve always said — don’t celebrate too much when you win and don’t get too down when you lose. Stay calm, keep working, and don’t listen too much to outside noise. We have to recover quickly because Galatasaray will be a very tough opponent at home.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
For Galatasaray, this game represents not only a test of strength but also an opportunity to prove themselves against one of Europe’s elite clubs. The Istanbul giants have enjoyed strong home support in past Champions League campaigns, and their fans will create a hostile atmosphere at Rams Park.
For Liverpool, bouncing back from their domestic defeat is crucial to maintaining momentum in Europe. With Van Dijk leading the defense and manager Jürgen Klopp urging focus, the Reds know that complacency could be punished in Istanbul.
Conclusion: A Battle of Nerves and Strategy
Both teams enter this clash with concerns. Galatasaray’s internal struggles — tactical uncertainty, player form, and fitness issues — cast doubts on their readiness. Liverpool’s recent defeat, however, has raised questions about their own consistency.
Ultimately, the Champions League night in Istanbul promises drama, passion, and potentially decisive moments for both sides. If Galatasaray can overcome their internal problems, they could deliver a shock against Liverpool. But if the Reds remain focused and clinical, Van Dijk’s warning may prove prophetic.
