Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has hinted that he will make changes in the Champions League as the Reds take on Villarreal, as well as giving his verdict on Florian Wirtz
Andoni Iraola speaks during a Liverpool press conference.
Andoni Iraola speaks during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has hinted that he will once again make several changes to his starting XI in the Champions League as a relentless fixture schedule continues.
A few days after winning at Brentford, the Reds are back in European action with a visit of Villarreal. Already with six points from six in the Champions League, there is a margin for error.
"I am thinking of the best XI for Villarreal, but maybe it is not the one you think because some (players) are not fresh enough," Iraola explained during his pre-match press conference at Anfield on Tuesday.
"How can we put a good XI in there with the changes and we know we have a very busy schedule, we have to take it one by one and we take it that way.
"We cannot plan too much because we can get injuries, so we try to focus on how the players recover. It was a demanding game against Brentford — they demand it — so it's important everyone who starts tomorrow feels 100 per cent."
Iraola was also asked about Florian Wirtz, who played well against LASK a week ago, and then followed that up by created nine chances for his teammates at Brentford.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I think he's coming in from two very good games, LASK and Brentford, and he helped a lot in and out of possession," Iraola said.
"I hope we can keep him there. We analyze and scrutinize everything, but when he does well, it's fair to say."
So far this season, Liverpool has tended to perform better away from home than at Anfield, but Iraola will need that to change in the coming months to properly kick on.
"We've had better results away, but we've had tough games, and Atletico and Spurs were good," the Spaniard added.
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"I prefer to play at home 100 per cent, but it's true the games are different and we take it one by one. Now it is Villarreal; we focus and I know them very well. We need to do a game we did against Atletico."
Liverpool hosts Villarreal on Tuesday and then high-flying Brighton next weekend. Before the international break, it will also face Chelsea, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace.
Jeremie Frimpong is unlikely to feature in any of those, while Dominik Szoboszlai is also set to miss out against Villarreal, but the Hungarian shouldn't be sidelined for as long.