Sloot hopes Liverpool can be fully prepared for the Champions League challenge.

With the draw results in place, Liverpool will travel to Galatasaray for the first leg of their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match. Liverpool manager Sloot stated that he hopes the team can utilize their strengths and make thorough preparations for this crucial match.

In the league stage of this season's Champions League, Liverpool finished third with a record of 6 wins and 2 draws, successfully advancing to the Champions League Round of 16.

Galatasaray, ranked 20th, secured their place in the round of 16 by defeating Italian giants Juventus 7-5 on aggregate in the Champions League play-offs.

Liverpool manager Sloot said, "Looking at the possible results of the draw, we drew an opponent that was entirely expected, namely a tough round of 16 match against a team we have already played once this season."

“We know that in this away game, we must perform better than we did in Istanbul last September. This is the primary challenge of this round. We also know that Galatasaray is in high spirits after defeating Juventus and advancing to the round of 16.”

Slott also said, "But the main feeling is still very excited, because this is exactly what we have been striving for in the league stage. We wanted to be here, and now we want to make the most of this opportunity."

Furthermore, Liverpool will host West Ham in the next round of the Premier League. To secure Champions League qualification for next season, Sloot's team cannot afford to drop any points.

Sloth emphasized, "We have important matches to play in other competitions before the Champions League resumes, so we hope to be fully prepared when this round of matches comes."

Image source: Internet