Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has outlined his tactical priorities ahead of the Champions League group stage match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Reds travel to Turkey looking to protect their 100% record in the competition this season, aiming to build on a recent run of three wins and a draw from their last five matches.
Iraola confirmed his side must press Fenerbahce effectively to stop them from controlling the game. He acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating they have experienced players and a good technical level. The Liverpool boss also noted that while Fenerbahce have changed manager, their style of play has remained consistent under interim boss Dirk Kuyt.
Squad updates and availability
Liverpool's 22-man travelling squad includes the returns of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz from injury. The group has been bolstered by academy players Jayden Danns, Luke Chambers and James McConnell. Ryan Gravenberch missed the trip due to a heel problem, though Iraola described the issue as day-to-day and suggested the midfielder could be available for the weekend. The Reds are without several players for the European fixture, including Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa.
Forward Cody Gakpo, who will wear the number 18 shirt, described the expected atmosphere in Turkey as 'very very hostile' and 'massive'. He said the team has potential but needs to know each other better, adding that the Champions League is special but does not suit Liverpool more than the Premier League. The team will look to its top scorer this season, Alexander Isak, who has six goals in eight appearances, to provide a threat.
The match comes after a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal last Sunday, a result that left Liverpool fifth in the Premier League with 15 points from nine games. That loss extended the gap to the league leaders to nine points. The team's recent form shows three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five matches across all competitions. This sequence includes the 1-1 draw with Chelsea and the 2-0 victory over Brighton prior to the Arsenal match. In the league, the team has recorded four wins, three draws and two defeats, scoring 11 goals and conceding nine.
Iraola referenced the special nature of playing in Istanbul, alluding to the club's famous 2005 comeback in the city. He stated the clear objective is to finish in the top eight of the competition and reach the 12-point mark. With three wins from three so far, another victory would put Liverpool firmly on course to achieve that aim. Attention will then turn to the next Premier League fixture away to Crystal Palace, who are 18th in the table, on Sunday 8 November.
First reported at liverpoolfc.com
Andoni Iraola has confirmed Ryan Gravenberch's absence is due to a heel fracture. The Liverpool manager said, "It's a fracture of the heel. It's about the pain," and stated the midfielder's availability will be assessed daily. Iraola also confirmed his trust in Trey Nyoni to continue featuring in midfield. The Reds, fifth in the Premier League with 15 points, travel to Istanbul after a 0-1 defeat to Arsenal on November 1.
