Andoni Iraola found himself revelling in the Anfield atmosphere on his first Champions League night, with the new head coach enjoying a moment at 2-1 up.
Iraola secured the biggest victory of his short time in charge of Liverpool on Wednesday night as his side earned a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
It came on the Spaniard’s Champions League debut, with it a competition he never featured in as a player nor had he managed in with his previous clubs.
And the occasion did not escape him as he spoke to TNT Sports post-match, when asked by Steven Gerrard about the impact of the Anfield crowd.
“After the 2-1 we had some minutes where they were pushing and having chances, and I was enjoying it, honestly!” Iraola smiled.
“Honestly, I was feeling the atmosphere, and [wow]. This is great, yes.”
Iraola was asked a similar question in his post-match press conference and elaborated further, saying: “I really enjoyed it.
“There’s a part where you’re in charge of the game and you cannot think too much about the atmosphere.
“But especially after the 2-1, we had very good minutes, we had a couple of chances, we were pushing and you feel the atmosphere in the stadium.
“Even in moments at the end where obviously they are attacking a little bit, you have to defend, players were tired and the people helped us a lot.
“I’m very thankful.”
Gerrard made a worthwhile point in his analysis alongside Iraola that last season Liverpool often found themselves at odds with the atmosphere, with Arne Slot’s difficult second campaign leaving them “flat.”
Though it is yet to fully roar into life there were times during the victory over Atletico that felt like a proper European night at Anfield again.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A change in the dugout has certainly aided that, along with the tweaks Iraola has already made to the way Liverpool play – not least in bringing the intensity back to their pressing game.
Liverpool only had 45 percent possession against Atletico, which is the lowest in a home game since the 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in November 2025.
But that arguably suited the way they play under Iraola, whose brand of aggressive, high-intensity football is more reminiscent of how Jurgen Klopp previously brought back the Anfield atmosphere over 10 years ago.
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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