Liverpool’s recent match against Galatasaray in the Champions League on October 1, 2025, ended in a frustrating 1-0 defeat. This defeat marked their third consecutive loss in Istanbul, where they have historically struggled.
Alexander Isak’s Role and Concerns
This game showcased a worrying trend for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, as it was only the fifth time in 66 games that the team failed to score. Alexander Isak, the club’s £125 million signing, experienced a lack of connection with his teammates, resulting in minimal impact during his time on the field. He registered four touches in 38 minutes, compared to Mohamed Salah, who had 19 after coming on simultaneously.
With Hugo Ekitike’s fitness in doubt, Isak’s transition to the lead striker is critical for Liverpool. The team must now find ways to leverage his strengths effectively.
Florian Wirtz’s Struggles
Florian Wirtz’s performance has been under scrutiny since joining Liverpool. In key moments of the match, he mishandled the ball inside the box, which led to a penalty awarded to Galatasaray. Despite showing promise in the first half with a solid shot and creating some opportunities, Wirtz’s effectiveness waned significantly after halftime.
- He had a good chance to assist Conor Bradley, but the header went wide.
- Injury challenges for others meant Wirtz completed the full 90 minutes—a first since his arrival.
- A late booking further highlighted his difficult match.
Concerns Over Alisson Becker’s Fitness
Another significant worry for Liverpool is the status of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who indicated an arm injury during a save against Victor Osimhen. Manager Arne Slot has confirmed he will miss the upcoming match against Chelsea, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in.
Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister’s performance revealed that he is still regaining full fitness, raising further concerns for Liverpool’s squad depth.
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool prepares for their match against Chelsea, they face critical challenges. The team must regroup and find solutions to enhance their attacking play while dealing with injury setbacks. The focus will be on creating a cohesive strategy to utilize players like Isak effectively.
