Liverpool will be looking to get off to a winning start in the Champions League when it hosts Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday — Andoni Iraola's first European game in charge of the Reds
Andoni Iraola will manage in European competition for the first time when Liverpool face Atletico Madrid
Andoni Iraola will manage in European competition for the first time when Liverpool face Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola ought to draw upon the wealth of top-level European experience within his squad when selecting his line-up for his maiden Champions League fixture as a head coach on Wednesday.
The Reds play host to Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Matchday 1, marking Diego Simeone's fourth visit to Merseyside in eight seasons, and Iraola will be acutely conscious that his counterpart boasts far greater experience in the competition.
Atletico is a well-established fixture in UEFA's top club competition and will pose a formidable challenge. With this in mind, former Liverpool star Jason McAteer believes Iraola must field his most seasoned side available, calling upon the big-name players with the strongest European pedigree, including new recruit Bradley Barcola.
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Speaking to 10bet ahead of the match, McAteer said: "There is truly nothing like Anfield on a European night.
"Liverpool are royalty in European football with six European Cups, and the fans buy into that history completely. Midweek under the lights, the flags, the anthem – the adrenaline pumps that much harder, which elevates player performances.
"For Iraola, who hasn't managed in European competition before despite getting Bournemouth there last season, having experienced winners in the dressing room is massive.
Jason McAteer has offered Iraola some advice
Jason McAteer has offered Iraola some advice(Image: Getty Images)
"He'll need to lean on Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, and Barcola for their Champions League experience.
"Facing Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid right out of the gate is a stern test in game management and the dark arts. Iraola will be desperate to get off to a winning start."
The Anfield faithful will be eyeing a flying start to their new Champions League campaign, following Iraola's first Premier League triumph last Friday against Ipswich at Portman Road. However, European competition represents uncharted territory for Iraola.
Last season, Liverpool was eliminated by eventual champion Paris Saint-Germain at the quarterfinal stage, having previously been knocked out by the French team on penalties in the last 16 the season before.
Expectations have needed to be recalibrated following Arne Slot's dismissal and Iraola's subsequent appointment, yet McAteer still fancies his former side as an outside bet to lift a seventh European Cup this campaign.
He said: "You can easily play yourself out of a title race in the first 10 games, and if that happens, the focus immediately shifts to Europe. To answer directly: do I think they can win it? Yes, the quality is there.
"Do I think they will? Probably not this season, purely because Arsenal are in a much stronger, more settled position right now.
"Managing a club of Liverpool's stature is a completely different challenge for Iraola, and it's a big learning curve alongside integrating new signings. But if they build confidence early, they have more than enough quality to mount a serious challenge on both fronts."