Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has been reflecting on another bruising defeat for the Reds, as Fenerbahce completed a historic comeback in Istanbul
Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Fenerbahce SK and Liverpool FC
Andoni Iraola has been discussing his Liverpool team's defeat to Fenerbahce(Image: (Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images))
Andoni Iraola has claimed that set-pieces were the downfall for Liverpool once again, as his side fell to defeat at the hands of Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
It was a night in Istanbul that brought memories of a famous comeback in the competition, harking back to the 2005 final for the Reds, but it was a turnaround from the hosts that made for a historic night 21 years on instead.
Liverpool led twice in the match, with Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak giving the visitors a chance of landing all three points in the league phase. However, goals from Mason Greenwood, Archie Brown, and Vedat Muriqi proved to be the difference, as the hosts fought back to win under interim boss Dirk Kuyt.
It's yet another bruising defeat for the Merseyside outfit and their head coach, who will be wondering exactly how his side let the game slip in the fashion they did.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist rips apart Alisson as Fenerbahce turns Liverpool game on its head
READ MORE: Liverpool 'gets away with one' as referee slammed over Fenerbahce penalty decision
After the weekend's criticism surrounding a lack of attacking quality, it was the defending that has come under fire in midweek, with individual errors proving costly.
The running theme in all of it for Iraola was the inability to deal with set-pieces. Goals from a free-kick, a corner and the second phase of a throw-in proved costly, with the Spaniard believing that it was a contributing factor to the defeat.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the head coach said: "The main reason that I can find for why we lost this game is we conceded from three set pieces. It's something that we were doing very well in the league, we were doing quite well until today.
"We knew it was one of the strengths of Fenerbahce. We concede from a free-kick, a corner and even from the long throw at the end. They're goals that have hurt us because we've gone twice in front after having good moments, controlling the game, arriving, we've found the goals but after we've conceded in situations we should definitely defend better.
Andoni Iraola during the press conference
Andoni Iraola during the press conference
"It's frustrating because it's a difficult place to come here and play. In most parts of the game we were thinking we could win this one but obviously it hasn't happened.
"Especially the first goal and the third goal - the second one is a rebound - but the first one, I don't think we set the wall properly and the last one, Muriqi wins the ball against three defenders, it's definitely something we need to defend better."
"They are cheap and messy goals," he added. "The free-kick went though the wall, the last goal is a long throw. They are mistakes that have cost us. It was impossible to communicate in the stadium because it was so noisy. I suppose it was difficult to communicate for Ali [Alisson] and Cody [Gakpo]."
It was the sort of display that harked back to more of last season, which will come as a frustrating feeling for Liverpool fans, having seen some positive signs from the intensity that the change in manager has brought about.
It will give Iraola plenty of food for thought when it comes to the lessons he will need to teach his group of players, if they are to continue to grow and eventually succeed.
It's a defeat that ends the 100 per cent win record in the Champions League in difficult circumstances, but one that shouldn't impact the prospects of a top-eight finish, so long as the Reds don't let the draws and defeats pile up.
Article continues below
After the international break, there are four more fixtures to come in the competition, with Club Brugge, Porto, Inter Milan, and RC Lens all to come in the weeks and months ahead.