Ilkay Gundogan reveals what Liverpool player asked him during Galatasaray defeat

Ilkay Gundogan has revealed one of Liverpool’s players asked him a question during the Reds’ Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

Arne Slot’s side fell to a first European defeat of the season - and a second loss in just a matter of days - as Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty was enough to sentence Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul on Tuesday.

It proved to be another frustrating performance from the Reds’ stars, with many of them not living up to expectations again as they failed to offer much threat after falling behind. To make matters worse, Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike provided the visitors with major injury scares after being forced off in the second half.

The Reds were made aware of the hostile reception they’d receive from the moment they landed in Turkey. Galatasaray fans were seen setting off fireworks in front of Liverpool’s hotel during the early hours of Tuesday morning, giving the visitors an uncomfortable night’s sleep ahead of the game.

And the noise inside the Rams Park was relentless throughout the evening, even causing one of Liverpool’s players to question former City midfielder Gundogan about it.

"This club is not just special to me but I feel like it's special to so many, the size and potential is incredible," Gundogan said after the game.

"If you were here tonight and seen the atmosphere... actually, one of my opponents came to me in the game and asked me if the atmosphere is always incredible like that, during the game, yeah.

"You can see even for them it was incredible to play in front of that crowd. It's something when you get that connection and the performance mirrors the people in the stand, you can get these special nights."

Pressed on the matter by a surprised reporter, the German international added: "During the game, yeah. No names but you can see, even for them, it was incredible to play in front of that crowd."

Liverpool.com says: The atmosphere at Galatasaray can’t have been much of a surprise to Liverpool’s players - in fact, if it was, that would be slightly concerning.

Whether it had any effect on them during the game, only they will know, but the early morning wake-up call from the supporters can’t have been much help.

In any case, it was just such a disappointing performance from the Reds, and after the last two games, there needs to be a response against Chelsea this weekend.

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