- Title: Galatasaray hope to gain upper hand against Liverpool, says coach
- Date: 9th March 2026
- Summary: ISTANBUL, TURKEY (MARCH 9, 2026) (REUTERS) GALATASARAY COACH, OKAN BURUK, ARRIVING FOR PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) GALATASARAY COACH, OKAN BURUK, SAYING: "Our primary goal is, of course, to gain the upper hand in the first match. We know how good our opponent is. Despite their ups and downs this year, they have some very important players. Right now, their
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- Keywords: GALATASARAY LIVERPOOL OKAN BURUK PRESS CONFERENCE TURKEY
- Location: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
- City: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
- Country: Turkey
- Topics: Europe,Middle East,Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001233109032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said on Monday (March 9) that he hopes to gain the upper hand against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Galatasaray will face the English champions on Tuesday (March 10) in Istanbul.
Buruk said having seven players on the verge of a one-match suspension should they be shown a yellow card in this game was difficult for Galatasaray.
In the previous round, Galatasaray saw off Juventus, winning 7-5 aggregate, and Buruk is taking confidence from that saying his side will be the underdogs once again versus Liverpool.
"Now, Liverpool are of course the favourites in this round, but for us, Galatasaray, the first match, especially the one we'll play at home, is very important and valuable," he said.
Galatasaray are currently top of the Turkish Super Lig, four points clear of Fenerbahce.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are sixth in the Premier League and 19 points behind the leaders, Arsenal meaning the Champions League is Arne Slot's main title target for this season.
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