“We’re Already Out”: Steven Gerrard Stuns Fans with Brutal Verdict on Liverpool’s Champions League Draw
NYON, Switzerland — The road to the 2026 Champions League final in Budapest has been mapped out, but if you ask club legend Steven Gerrard, Liverpool might as well start planning their summer holidays now.
In a reaction that has sent shockwaves through the Merseyside faithful, the former captain delivered a devastatingly candid assessment following the Round of 16 draw held today, February 27, 2026. After learning that Arne Slot’s side will face Galatasaray—the Turkish giants who have already humbled the Reds once this season—Gerrard didn’t hold back.
> “When I saw the fixtures this morning I know quite okay that we are already out of this competition because there’s no way Liverpool will defeat them,” Gerrard told TNT Sports.
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A “Body Blow” for the Anfield Faithful
Gerrard’s pessimism isn’t just about the opponent; it’s about the current state of a Liverpool side that has looked uncharacteristically fragile. While Liverpool entered the draw as seeds after finishing 3rd in the league phase, their recent form has been a rollercoaster of “gruesome” home defeats and flashes of brilliance.
The “them” Gerrard refers to is a Galatasaray side led by a rampant Victor Osimhen. The Turkish champions reached the Round of 16 by dismantling Juventus 7–5 on aggregate and, crucially, they already secured a 1–0 win over Liverpool in Istanbul during the group stage.
Why Gerrard is Worried
The legendary No. 8’s concerns stem from a deeper frustration with the tactical direction under Arne Slot. Just weeks ago, Gerrard slammed Slot’s public comments regarding “low blocks,” calling them a “body blow” to fans’ expectations.
The Case for Concern:
* The Psychological Hurdle: Liverpool suffered a 4–1 “humiliating” home defeat to PSV in November, shattering the “Fortress Anfield” myth.
* The “Osimhen” Factor: The Nigerian striker’s penalty was the difference in the previous meeting, and Liverpool’s defense has struggled with elite pace this season.
* The Path Ahead: Even if Liverpool pull off a “miracle” in Gerrard’s eyes, the bracket is unforgiving. A win would likely pit them against either Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea in the Quarter-finals.
The Road Ahead: 2025/26 Knockout Schedule
| Round | Date | Opponent |
|—|—|—|
| Round of 16 (1st Leg) | March 10/11 | Galatasaray (Away) |
| Round of 16 (2nd Leg) | March 17/18 | Galatasaray (Home) |
| Quarter-finals | April 7–15 | PSG or Chelsea |
| Final | May 30 | Puskás Aréna, Budapest |
Can Slot Prove the Legend Wrong?
Despite Gerrard’s “tough love” commentary, there is a glimmer of hope. Liverpool will host the second leg at Anfield on March 17 or 18. Arne Slot has recently defended his record, suggesting that the team is still learning how to “suffocate” opponents through positioning rather than just raw intensity.
However, for a man who lived and breathed European comebacks, Gerrard’s lack of belief is perhaps the loudest alarm bell yet for the reigning Premier League champions. Whether this serves as a wake-up call or a prophecy remains to be seen.
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