Milan Baros scores twice for Galatasaray
A second string Liverpool squad, missing 13 first team players, lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in the reds 4th pre-season friendly.
A Milan Baros double in the first half, followed by a fine volley from Johan Elmander in the second half – sealed the victory for the Turkish side.
First Half
Team: Doni, Insua, Degen, Kyrgiakos, Flanagan, Robinson, Kelly, Poulsen, Cole, Shelvey, Carroll
Galatasaray were quick to dominate the first half with Milan Baros going close inside the first 8 minutes. The Turkish side had planned to be starting their season next year, but match-fixing allegations have postponed the start of the Turkish Super League. Galatasaray looked a yard quicker over the park and the reds struggled to get a decent hold of the ball until well in to the half.
Milan Baros broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, when poor marking from Kyrgiakos allowed Baros to fire the opener in from a low cross.
Alexander Doni made a couple of solid saves for the reds, before a corner took an unlucky bounce at the near post. Poulsen was completely flat-footed as Baros headed in with ease.
The reds had a couple of chances, Carroll going close and Shelvey also firing across the face of goal.
Second Half
Team: Jones, Insua, Flanagan, Kyrgiakos, Kelly (Ayala 70), Shelvey (Spearing 69), Poulsen (Wisdom 82), Cole, Carroll (Coady 82), Kuyt, Aquilani
The introduction of Aquilani and Kuyt at half time improved the look of the side. The rest of the starting players were kept on to increase their fitness with 8 players getting at least 70 minutes.
Suddenly Carroll, who had seen little of the ball, became more involved in Liverpool’s play. The midfield and wing-backs started to look to find Aquilani who posted another decent pre-season performance for Liverpool.
Elmander however fired in a fine volley past Brad Jones to ensure Galatasaray won in front of their home crowd.
Liverpool now move on to Monday’s game against Valerenga, where more of the first team players are likely to get their 70 minutes as preparations build for the pre-season clash against Valencia at Anfield prior to the start of the Premier League campaign.
This result and performance was a disappointment. Nobody expected the wider Liverpool squad to be overhauled in one summer – but clearly the club are harbouring some individuals who we would be better removing from our wage bill.
Liverpool fans can look forward to the final two friendlies as another opportunity to see some of the new signings brought in to improve the squad.