Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola prepares for a Champions League match against Villarreal and former assistant Iñigo Pérez at Anfield on Tuesday, balancing a personal reunion with squad fitness concerns regarding Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong.
When Liverpool welcomes Villarreal to Anfield on Tuesday for the third round of the Champions League league phase, the contest brings together two close colleagues whose professional relationship spans years in Spanish football, according to Agence France-Presse. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, 44, described the upcoming fixture as an exceptional and unusual encounter against Villarreal boss Iñigo Pérez, who previously served as his assistant.
Andoni Iraola Details His History with Villarreal Manager Iñigo Pérez
The bond between the two Spanish managers stretches back to their formative days at Athletic Bilbao, where they knew each other in the youth setup and played together in the senior team. Once Pérez retired from playing, Iraola brought him straight into his coaching staff at Rayo Vallecano in 2022. The pair later attempted a move to English club AFC Bournemouth in 2023, but Pérez was unable to secure the necessary work permit to coach in England.
Andoni Iraola and Ronald Araújo speak to the media ahead of Tuesday's #UCL match against Villarreal at Anfield 🎙️🏟️ https://t.co/j04jJ5McQt
— https://x.com/LFC/status/2112159919625716125
I expressed my dissatisfaction back then. But that turned into an opportunity for him, as he was able to take over coaching Rayo Vallecano, where he achieved very good results, and now he is leading Villarreal in the Champions League. I am very happy for him.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool Manager
That missed move to England ultimately paved the way for Pérez to forge his own managerial path in Spain. Iraola noted that as the Champions League fixture approached, their usual frequent communication naturally tapered off to maintain appropriate professional distance.
Liverpool Squad Fitness Challenges Before the Anfield Clash
Beyond the managerial reunion, Liverpool faces notable roster hurdles ahead of the European fixture. Manager Andoni Iraola revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the match after aggravating an injury sustained prior to the fixture against Manchester City the previous week. Iraola stressed that while the issue is in the same area, it has not worsened, though the club must exercise patience to ensure the player recovers fully.
Next Up: Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield 🔴 #lfc pic.twitter.com/lGoECgOz2e
— https://x.com/AnythingLFC_/status/2112075359831130366
In addition to Szoboszlai’s absence, defender Jeremie Frimpong picked up a new injury, leaving the squad thin ahead of the upcoming international break.
Champions League Group Stage Standings and Form
Liverpool enters Tuesday’s match following a strong start to the continental campaign, having secured two victories in their opening two fixtures. The Reds defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1 before recording a high-scoring 6-3 win against Austrian side LASK.
Villarreal travels to Anfield looking to build on mixed early results in the league phase. The Spanish club dropped its opening fixture 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory against Italian side Napoli.
💬 𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦 – Andoni Iraola 10 games as #LFC boss:“I don't even have time to think, it's been a bit of everything, we don't have time to reflect on a lot of things. I came back from Brentford, looking at the Villarreal report.”“We adapt to the circumstances, it's not just… pic.twitter.com/XQ0Sy1WT8E
— https://x.com/LFCTransferRoom/status/2112166625587708209
More on Andoni Iraola
🆕 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Liverpool return to Anfield and face Villarreal in the #UCL, here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off, including how to watch the match. 🔴📺𝗤: What are you most intrigued by ahead of match?https://t.co/Opyra5CaCf
— https://x.com/LFCTransferRoom/status/2112178201590190477
