Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola
Getty
Andoni Iraola is relishing being in the dugout for a Champions League night at Anfield
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola believes his managerial Champions League debut at home to Atletico Madrid will provide a good indication of the level his side are at.
A first win of the season on Friday against promoted Ipswich cannot be considered a genuine barometer of how well the team have adapted to the change of style implemented by the Basque since he replaced Arne Slot in the summer.
It will also be a test of Iraola's own credentials as he has never coached at this level, having featured in just three matches in Europe’s elite club competition as a player for Athletic Bilbao.
Liverpool faced Atletico at home in last season’s Champions League opener, registering their third successive victory over Diego Simeone’s side – Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time goal securing the win after the Reds had relinquished a 2-0 lead.
"Obviously it is a special night for me; everyone talks about Champions League nights at Anfield," Iraola said.
"It’s one of the dreams, probably, when you start. It was difficult for me when I started my coaching career seven, eight years ago, to put myself in the position that I am right now and I hope I can enjoy it.
"It’s a big responsibility, massive challenge, but I feel privileged to be there in that dugout (on Wednesday).
"It’s a massive test for the team overall and I think it will show us a little bit also where we are."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool scores a goal to make it 3-2 during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Im
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool scores a goal to make it 3-2 during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Im
This is the start of a period in which Iraola will have to find a way to balance the demands of three matches a week, which was less of a requirement at former club Bournemouth.
"This is going to be a challenge – I hope for all the season because it would mean we continue in all the competitions," he added.
"I don’t want my players to think we have to save energy as we have a hard game in three days or they have to play 90 minutes.
"You play 55 minutes for me and you are dead and ask for a sub – perfect – as we will have a top-level 55 minutes then a top-level 35, 40 minutes or whatever remains.
"If I have to choose, I prefer they are not with a calculator thinking, 'We have to play in three days’. Let’s push and do our best.
"The way to get used to playing at a higher rhythm – and we need to increase that rhythm – is pushing and being more demanding."
Watch Liverpool v Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday from 7.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app
Watch Manchester United v Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday from 7.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app