Liverpool travel to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday evening and the Reds have been warned about the famous atmosphere in Istanbul by a former player
An ex-Liverpool and Galatasaray player has issued a stark warning about the intimidating atmosphere in Istanbul potentially influencing the referee in the upcoming Champions League clash on Tuesday night. Arne Slot's team are set to embark on their latest European journey to Turkey, following a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in their opening game of the competition.
The Reds are looking to bounce back from Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace as they face a Galatasaray side renowned for their boisterous home crowd. Dean Saunders, who once starred for both Liverpool and the Turkish giants, knows all too well the impact of the passionate Galatasaray supporters, having played there in the mid-1990s.
Saunders, a former Welsh international, is confident that Liverpool's experience will help them cope with the intense environment but has voiced concerns that the officials might be swayed by the deafening support. He even suggested that securing a draw would be a commendable outcome for Liverpool, despite his belief that none of the Galatasaray players would make it into Liverpool's first team.
In an interview, Saunders said: "Liverpool's players have played in huge games before. They will know how to deal with pressure. At Galatasaray, I loved it there. It was a great club with unbelievable support.
"A 7pm kick off would see the fans in the stadium by 12. Banging drums, red and yellow smoke everywhere. I played there sometimes and we couldn't see the pitch under the yellow and red.
"We played Sparta Prague and I just felt sorry for them as they tried to cope. But the manager will tell his players the same thing. Whatever else is going on, it's 11 v 11.
"It's the same size pitch. Nobody is coming from the crowd to tackle you or save your shots. It's all psychological, so put it out of your mind.
"The only worry is the referee getting wrapped up in the atmosphere and having a bad game, but that's the only way it can get to you in a way you can't control.
"Don't let the crowd affect you. Play your normal game. There's not a Galatasaray player who would get into Liverpool's starting XI."
With Slot regularly rotating his squad frequently in recent weeks, he's expected to shuffle his pack once more for the clash with Galatasaray. Saunders believes the choice of who leads the attack could be crucial, especially with Hugo Ekitike available again after suspension and Federico Chiesa now eligible for the Champions League squad.
He added: "Arne Slot will be telling players to play their usual game, move the ball quickly, and quicker than your opponents, and we'll have the brains to move to the right places. We have the strikers who can finish moves on, whatever the crowd does.
"It'll be a tough night, but they just need to focus. Andy Robertson, for example, is going to have a chance to get in behind his opponent and he can make a goal for Hugo Ekitike.
"It's the same across the pitch. Do the basics, fight, and you'll be OK. A point in Istanbul is a good result, too, so there's not too much pressure."