Andoni Iraola prepares Liverpool for their Champions League meeting with Fenerbahce.
Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to disrupt Fenerbahce’s momentum in Istanbul as they chase a fourth straight Champions League victory.
Liverpool face Fenerbahce on Wednesday with Andoni Iraola urging his players to neutralise the home crowd’s influence. The Liverpool manager expects a fierce atmosphere at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu stadium but believes his side can cope.
Speaking on Tuesday, Iraola stressed the need to break the connection between Fenerbahce’s players and supporters. He wants Liverpool to slow their opponents’ momentum and prevent confidence from spreading through the stadium.
He also highlighted Fenerbahce’s experienced players and their understanding of European competition. Liverpool therefore need strong mental preparation alongside their work on the pitch.
Liverpool face Fenerbahce with perfect European record
Liverpool enter the match with three wins from three Champions League games this season. Another victory would take them to 12 points and strengthen their push for a top-eight finish.
Their European attack has also delivered consistently, producing six goals against LASK and four against Villarreal. They added another two against Atletico Madrid, taking their tally to 12 across those fixtures.
However, Liverpool have struggled to match that output in the Premier League, scoring 11 times in nine matches. Iraola’s side continue to adjust to his preferred approach during his first season in charge.
The Spaniard arrived from Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot following his dismissal. Although results have been stronger in Europe and the Carabao Cup, Iraola considers comparisons premature this early in the season.
Arsenal defeat highlights attacking concerns
Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Turkey after Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Premier League champions Arsenal. They failed to record a shot on target in a home league match for the first time since records began in 2003.
That result left fifth-placed Liverpool nine points behind leaders Arsenal. Yet Iraola said he found several encouraging aspects in the performance despite the defeat.
He identified movement inside the penalty area as a particular area for improvement. Liverpool often had enough players forward, he said, but needed better runs rather than waiting for second balls.
Iraola also felt his team put Arsenal under pressure, while acknowledging that the visitors defended effectively. Improving those attacking movements now forms part of Liverpool’s challenge in Istanbul.
However, Liverpool must manage without Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for the trip. He stayed at home after experiencing discomfort from a heel problem during Sunday’s warm-up.
