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.
