Faltering Liverpool need a big night in Istanbul to revitalise their season

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There is not a final on the line as there was 21 years ago, but a last-16 tie against Galatasaray feels almost as decisive for their season and possibly for the long-term future of Arne Slot, even as he marks his 100th game as manager.It’s not even the first time Liverpool have come to Istanbul this season: their 1-0 reverse against Galatasaray in September was their second loss in a run of nine defeats in 12 games from which their season has never recovered. As well as the penalty against Liverpool in the league phase, the Nigeria striker has scored 11 league goals this season, but his game is about far more than that; he’s also a great leader of the line, holding the ball up and creating space for others and, as Slot said, represents a serious threat on the break.

“We know how good he is,” said Slot. Under Klopp, Liverpool’s average number of possessions in each game never dropped below 90; under Slot they’re in the low 80s.

That’s not a judgment of quality but of style.Slot’s search for control last season allowed Liverpool to sit on two-goal leads. They still have the battle to finish in the top five of the Premier League, and so qualify for next season’s Champions League, to deal with.