Liverpool take on Fenerbache in Istanbul in the Champions League on Wednesday evening
Andoni Iraola (C) and Liverpool players attend a training session at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi stadium (Photo by BERK OZKAN / AFP via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola (C) and Liverpool players attend a training session at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi stadium (Photo by BERK OZKAN / AFP via Getty Images)
View Image
While it would be understandable if Andoni Iraola was left stewing on Sunday's defeat to champions Arsenal, the Liverpool head coach insists he has chosen to move on.
The debate has raged about the failure to award his side what many believed to be a stonewall penalty against the Gunners when Alexander Isak was dragged back by Jurrien Timber in the first half of the 1-0 loss.
Iraola, speaking immediately after the game, had said he would be imploring his players to go to ground much easier in future while VAR was told in the Sky Sports studio by former striker Daniel Sturridge that it was not 'doing its job'.
Liverpool, however, have not received an explanation for the decision by the officials on Sunday, despite the belief of several commentators in the aftermath of the result that the communication was well on its way in the post.
Make sure you never miss the latest Liverpool FC news and opinion by makingLiverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
Despite the fallout Iraola does not want to dwell on the game-changing decision, insisting his focus is simply on Champions League matters.
"No I didn't ask for an explanation and I haven't received an explanation, no," Iraola confirmed when asked at Fenerbahce Stadium, where he was on Tuesday evening to preview the game in Istanbul.
"I tell you what you I think about the plays but honestly I don't have the time to [do that]. I have been preparing for Fenerbahce.
"It is just two days between games so I have just been focusing on this game and the opposition and how to prepare the team."
The change to refocus the thinking will be one that Liverpool should welcome given how well they have taken to the European Cup in Iraola's first campaign in the continent's most grandiose of competitions.
Three straight victories, against Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal, leaves them well place at this stage and another three points in a city where the club enjoyed perhaps its finest hour - on May 25, 2005 - will have them perfectly poised to continue their latest European jaunt.
Sixteen points have been enough in both seasons of the revamped Champions League to secure a place in the top eight and trappings of the knockout stages as a result.
And with games against Porto, Club Brugge, Inter and Lens to come before the end of January, Liverpool would be well on course for a repeat with maximum points against Dirk Kuyt's side on Wednesday night.
Of course, Liverpool being in Istanbul means events at the Ataturk Stadium against AC Milan nearly 21 years ago could not pass without a mention from the current Reds boss.
Asked about Liverpool's history with this particular part of Turkey, Iraola said: “Istanbul is going to be special, it’s difficult to find a better night in football - a comeback on such an important night.
"Tomorrow, it’s not going to be easy. It’s always difficult to come to Turkey and play and we have to be very ready. They have experienced player who know how to play in this competition.
"We have to try to kill the confidence and momentum they can have with the supporters."
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Get YOUR Liverpool FC Newsletter
Get the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!
Yours in just two simple steps.
Enter your email and hit Subscribe.