Frank Rijkaard has called on his players to "trust in themselves" as they bid to bounce back from domestic disappointment when they face Panathinaikos in the Europa League.

Galatasary lost 1-0 to title rivals Bursaspor on Friday night, missing out on top spot in the league, but Rijkaard is keen to ensure this does not affect his players' confidence.

"We must trust in ourselves again," Rijkaard said. "Not everything goes as you want it to over a season.

"These times are very important times. We can change this situation if we believe we can, and we can still become champions."

Galatasaray are already certain of qualification from Group F, but would surrender top spot to their Greek visitors if they lost.

Pana come to Istanbul still needing a draw to be certain of progressing.

However, Rijkaard is in no mood to do them any favours as he aims to get his team's season back on track.

"This is a very important game for them, but the Bursaspor match gives us an extra source of motivation," he said. "We are focused on this match and pleasing our fans."

Galatasaray won the reverse fixture 3-1 early in the group stages, and begin the night as heavy favourites as they look to maintain their unbeaten record through 10 European fixtures so far this season, having won seven and drawn three.

Four of those victories have come at home, where the atmosphere is always intimidating for visiting teams.

Pana bring a three-game winning streak with them and should offer the sternest test yet of Galatasaray's credentials.

However, their preparations have been less than smooth after it was announced earlier this week that goalkeeper Orestes Karnezis has been diagnosed with swine flu.

The player has been kept away from his team-mates and will not make the trip to Turkey, but the club are confident the virus has not spread.

"The player has had treatment and the symptoms are mild and the condition is progressing smoothly without any complication," read a club statement.

Also missing from the travelling party are Dimitris Salpingidis, George Machelis, and Sebastian Latvia.