Key Takeaways
- Andoni Iraola took the blame for Liverpool’s difficult start against Atletico Madrid, conceding that Diego Simeone’s surprise tactical structure caused early problems before Liverpool rallied for a 2-1 win.
- The Liverpool boss confirmed that Milos Kerkez and Bradley Barcola only suffered cramp after working tirelessly, while Cody Gakpo remains a doubt for the upcoming match against Fulham due to adductor niggles.
- Praising his goalscorers Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, Iraola highlighted the natural attacking instincts of his midfielders and lauded Ronald Araujo’s strong showing at right-back.
Tactical adjustments spark second-half turnaround
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola took personal responsibility for his team’s sluggish opening period after navigating a tense 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield. The Spanish visitors shocked the hosts early on when Marcos Llorente struck, forcing Liverpool to rethink their approach on the fly.
Addressing the slow start during his post-match press conference, Iraola acknowledged that Diego Simeone’s setup caught his side off guard. “Yes, I think today I have to blame myself a little bit for the start of the game,” Iraola admitted. “I think Atlético has used a structure that they haven’t used before this season and it has cost us a little bit to match up properly.”
Liverpool gradually restored balance before the interval and pushed forward aggressively in the second half. “I think until we conceded the goal and we’ve had a couple of minutes where we’ve, I think, adjusted things and we match up much better,” Iraola explained. “And it was the moment where we started playing better. Obviously after half-time you have more time. Everything was better set and, second half, I think we were the best team and I think the team, the players have shown big character.”
Midfield firepower and Araujo’s influence
Liverpool mounted their fightback through strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, highlighting the offensive freedom handed to the central players. Iraola was thrilled by the threat coming from the middle of the park.
“Lovely, lovely goal from Alexis. Lovely goal from Dom Szoboszlai,” the manager remarked. “I think it’s good also the midfielders can add goals because we have midfielders that naturally they are going to arrive to the box. You know, sometimes we are talking about the structure, keep your position, but it’s inside them, for Ryan Gravenberch, for Dom Szoboszlai, for Alexis Mac Allister.”
Iraola also reserved special praise for Ronald Araujo, who started at right-back and delivered the assist for Szoboszlai’s goal. “I think he’s been very, very good the other day and he has been, I would say, even better today,” Iraola said. “I think he’s defending really well his side, but also sometimes because he’s a centre-back, we underrate his offensive side. Today he gives, I think, a great assist to Dom Szoboszlai. He’s made a couple of very good serves from his position and very happy with him.”
Squad fitness and rapid turnaround for Fulham
Despite the win, physical demands took a toll on the squad. Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez were both replaced late in the encounter, though Iraola was quick to downplay any fears of long-term problems.
“No, he’s cramped. He’s just cramped. There is no injury with Bradley,” Iraola confirmed, adding that both Barcola and Kerkez pushed themselves to the limit. “No, Miloš and Bradley were just cramping, were just tight. And I think I always want to do subs because of this, because you’ve given everything, you don’t have any more. Perfect. We do the sub. Not because you haven’t run and I have to sub you.”
Focus now immediately shifts toward the upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham, leaving the coaching staff sweating on player availability. Cody Gakpo missed out entirely with adductor niggles, and his involvement remains up in the air.
“I hope, I hope, but I don’t know,” Iraola said regarding Gakpo. “It’s not a big thing. But the problem is we play here in two days and a half. So I think now is a moment of recovery. These two days, see how Bradley has finished, how Cody is, if he can give us some minutes.”
Reflecting on grinding out yet another comeback victory, Iraola noted the resilience within his dressing room. “I think it’s in four games, three times that we’ve come back somehow,” he stated. “I think it shows that players are pushing, are showing character. And now it’s a matter now of getting everything cleaner and sharper.”
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool
Liverpool is currently 10th in the Champions League with 3 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 1.
