# Liverpool defensive struggles and Fenerbahce coaching change > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/liverpool-champions-league-defensive-struggles > Updated: 2026-11-06T16:16:00.000Z. Sources: 280. Developments: 4. Liverpool continues to face scrutiny following a 3-2 comeback defeat against Fenerbahce in Istanbul during a Champions League match. Despite controlling possession, Liverpool conceded three goals from set-pieces, including a decisive header by Vedat Muriqi in the 79th minute. This loss ended Liverpool’s perfect four-match run in the competition and marked the second consecutive loss under manager Andoni Iraola. Captain Virgil van Dijk described the defensive performance as “not sustainable,” noting that the squad “switched off and weren’t ready for the first and second balls.” This result represented a historic low for the club, being the first time in Liverpool’s history that they have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive major European matches, following previous games against Villarreal and LASK. Statistically, Liverpool has conceded 10 goals in four Champions League matches this season, averaging 2.5 goals per game, which is the highest average conceded in any of the club’s European Cup or Champions League campaigns. Following the victory, Fenerbahce officially appointed Emre Belözoğlu as head coach, succeeding İsmail Kartal. During his signing ceremony, Belözoğlu expressed pride in returning to his “home,” stating, “I am not the Emre from five years ago.” He acknowledged high expectations and expressed a commitment to winning championships and implementing fast-paced play. Belözoğlu, who will lead a large technical staff including an international assistant, is reportedly already evaluating the squad for the January transfer window, with the potential departure of Serbian right-back Ognjen Mimovic being noted. ## Claims - Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk made four changes to the starting lineup compared to the Konyaspor match. (reported by 3 sources) - Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs, Mario Lemina, and Barış Alper Yılmaz were included in the starting eleven. (reported by 3 sources) - Wilfried Singo, Eren Elmalı, Gabriel Sara, and Rafael Leao did not start the match. (reported by 3 sources) - Felipe Melo attended the match from the stands. (reported by 3 sources) - A one minute silence was held for Jesus de Miguel. (reported by 2 sources) - Jesus de Miguel passed away following a collision with goalkeeper Jesus Owono. (reported by 2 sources) - Atakan Karazor started in the starting eleven for Stuttgart. (reported by 2 sources) - Stuttgart plays with an offensive style and uses the center effectively. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-06: Emre Belözoğlu appointed as Fenerbahçe head coach Emre Belözoğlu has been appointed as Fenerbahçe's new head coach, promising a more experienced approach to lead the club toward championships. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emre-belzolu-returns-as-fenerbahe-head-coach ### 2026-11-05: Virgil van Dijk warns of unsustainable defensive form after Fenerbahce loss Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk warned that the team's defensive issues are unsustainable after a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce, where all three goals conceded came from set-pieces. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgil-van-dijk-criticizes-liverpool-defense-after-fenerbahce-defeat ### 2026-11-04: Fenerbahçe appoints Emre Belözoğlu as head coach Emre Belözoğlu has officially returned to Fenerbahçe as head coach following a Champions League win against Liverpool. Meanwhile, former coach İsmail Kartal is in talks with Iran's Tractor FC. 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/liverpool-suffers-champions-league-defeat-to-fenerbahce ### 2026-11-01: Fenerbahce defeats Liverpool 3-2 in Champions League comeback Fenerbahce overcame two deficits to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in Istanbul, marking the English side's first Champions League loss of the season. 259 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galatasaray-makes-four-lineup-changes-for-stuttgart-match --- Cite as: Liverpool defensive struggles and Fenerbahce coaching change. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/liverpool-champions-league-defensive-struggles