Andoni Iraola defended his decision to leave Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola on the bench for Liverpool’s 4-3 comeback win over Villarreal in the Champions League, citing the physical toll of a demanding run of fixtures.
Liverpool fought back from 2-0 down at Anfield after the international break, with Mac Allister and Araujo equalising before Mac Allister added a second and Wirtz fired in his first goal of the season off the bench. Iraola made six changes in total.
“I am quite clear, with Alex Isak we couldn’t risk today,” Iraola told Liverpool Echo. “And with Florian and Bradley it would have been their fourth start in 10 days. We played a game against Brentford that was physically very demanding.”
On Wirtz’s performance after coming on, Iraola was keen to emphasise the winger’s contribution beyond the goal. “Florian has played three games consecutively very well, away against LASK, Brentford and today in the second half, he gives us a lot of control and he is a very dynamic player with and without the ball.”
“It is difficult for players to mark him, he has played well but maybe not had the numbers, so that doesn’t stand out a great deal. But I was trying to get him for five minutes to talk about the game because what I would say is he is playing very, very well and I am very happy to have him.”
Iraola also praised Mac Allister’s performance in a more advanced role, highlighting his composure when Liverpool were 2-0 down. “He doesn’t panic, he has the experience, has won a lot of things and it is lovely to have him,” Iraola said.
Liverpool host Brighton on Sunday.
How this story developed
- 21 Oct We first reported this.
- 21 Oct Iraola clarifies that Araujo's half-time withdrawal was tactical, not injury-related, explaining he was uncomfortable defending Moleiro's movements.
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