Liverpool lost 3-2 away to Fenerbahce on Matchday 4 of the Champions League league phase. Despite taking the lead twice, Liverpool conceded three goals from set pieces as the hosts fought back to win. After the match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola spoke to TNT Sports Mexico about his side’s set-piece defending and upcoming league fixtures.
We now turn to Andoni Iraola. Liverpool have just suffered a defeat. How do you explain this loss, and in which areas does this Liverpool side need to improve?
It’s difficult to explain because we conceded three goals from set pieces. We had been defending them very well, but today there were gaps in our wall. For the final goal, Muriqi rose between three of our players to win the header.
Our own clearance led to the second goal we conceded, giving the scorer his opportunity. The three goals we conceded came from a corner, a free kick out wide and a long throw-in.
Ultimately, we lost the match, which is disappointing because we worked so hard to take the lead twice. I thought we moved the ball well, but we failed to defend against Fenerbahçe’s set pieces, which are one of their strengths.
What will you say to the players today? Given that the opposition kept equalizing and ultimately came from behind to win, will you take a gentler approach with them or be tougher on them?
We have to acknowledge that our opponents scored three goals against us from set pieces. Yes, those were difficult situations, but we could have done better on each occasion.
The wall needs to stand firm and not turn away. For the final goal we conceded, we could also have competed better in the air. The second goal may have been more about the rebound, which was difficult to deal with, but we could have done better in each situation. We have to look at ourselves because we knew set pieces were one of Fenerbahçe’s main threats.
One final question: are you more concerned about the team's form in the Premier League or the Champions League? After all, there are still plenty of matches left in the Champions League league phase, while the team are fifth in the Premier League. How do you assess the team at the moment?
Our priority now is the league and picking up points. I think we dropped too many points at the start of the league season. Next up, we face Crystal Palace away in a crucial game for us before the break.
homacdektu
0
As for me, I expected it; I knew Liverpool wouldn't win that game.
Tobbclnpry
0
losing to arsenal is becoming acceptable when comparing power
soobemorz
2
VVD should be sacked. Is finished. Is our problem in the defense
naeklmsy
0
lord szoboszlai is back we will start to loss.
Zere8
0
your solution is easy man, the defence. drop VVD a few games then you can see the dofference
Ceebkmopuy
3
every game change lineup hahaha this stupid coach and his like kerkez all the time
Feuabkpsty
0
Back to back defeat for Liverpool. And what to expect with this kind of perfimances. Ally cannot make a save, VVD cannot outjump his opponent, the defense is so shaky defending set pieces??? What will Iraola acheive this year with Liverpool??? Just asking
umaryoung
2
Great Coach We Wish You All The Best
wiyeknsu
2
Iraola is not Klopp. These teams have many average players except a few, so tacts are good but the ability to convert them into average into the best players is an issue to him. He is better than Arne Slot, but not as good as Klopp.
Hekaklpz
1
the downfall of Liverpool is here, get ready for the worst
IshmaelChimombo
0
we expect that squad to beat everyone 😤
Bisaderuz
1
Poor management tonight
SGTSingam
2
The world has said it right before the arrival of Iraola, "Andoni is nothing but only a Auto-dreaming man" This coach is not suitable to lead LFC 😖
AFerYdSD1972
3
Batty boy coach