Arne Slot says referee left Liverpool unable to play in Istanbul. Referee decisions disrupted Liverpool rhythm…

Arne Slot claims that the referee’s decisions left Liverpool unable to perform in Istanbul.

Liverpool’s Champions League loss to Galatasaray has sparked renewed scrutiny, with Arne Slot asserting that the constant interruptions made it nearly impossible for us to play our typical style.

Referee calls disrupted Liverpool’s flow.

After the 1-0 loss, the 47-year-old head coach expressed his frustration regarding the match’s progression.

“In the second half, it became increasingly difficult for us to create opportunities. Firstly, because they were giving their all… and secondly, because we barely played in the second half.

“By ‘barely played,’ I mean the ball was hardly in play,” he stated, as reported by liverpoolfc.com.

French referee Clement Turpin awarded the home team a contentious first-half penalty when Dominik Szoboszlai was deemed to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz.

This decision set a precedent, with frequent stoppages hindering Liverpool’s ability to gain any momentum—particularly in the second half.

John Aldridge echoed similar frustrations regarding the game’s stop-start nature, suggesting there should have been 20 minutes of added time.

This was yet another setback for the Premier League champions, arriving just days after their defeat to Crystal Palace, raising concerns about why our attacking unit continues to struggle to find its rhythm.

Squad rotation and injuries complicate matters further.

The former Feyenoord manager also pointed out the effects of squad rotation, noting that players like Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Alexis Mac Allister missed significant portions of pre-season.

This situation has forced the Dutchman into tough choices during a hectic schedule.

“I have a great appreciation for my squad, but we don’t have 25 or 26 players,” he clarified. “If we end up with two, three, or four injuries… things can get complicated.”

Slot also mentioned that Jeremie Frimpong was chosen for the right flank due to his experience in that position at Bayer Leverkusen, and because Mo Salah has already logged so many minutes this season.

The pressure is now upon us to react at Stamford Bridge this weekend, as Giorgi Mamardashvili is anticipated to take the place of the injured Alisson, with uncertainties still lingering regarding Ekitike’s fitness.