Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola aims to thwart Fenerbahce in front of vocal fans

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola during a training session at Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul. Pic: Adam Davy/Press Association.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola wants to “kill the confidence” Fenerbahce get from a raucous home crowd and believes improving his side’s attacking output is one of the best ways.

After Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal saw the team fail to register a shot on target in a home league game for the first time since records began in 2003, they return to a competition where goals have not been a problem.

Their 100 per cent Champions League record this season has seen them score six against LASK, four against Villarreal and two against Atletico Madrid, compared to 11 in nine Premier League matches.

Aside from the Spaniards, Liverpool have barely been tested in Europe but a typical Istanbul atmosphere presents its own challenges, although Iraola knows a win would go a long way to guaranteeing qualification for the knockout stages with half the group games still to play.

“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,” said Iraola.

“They have experienced players who know how to play in this competition. We have to try to kill the confidence and momentum they can have with the supporters.” 

On whether he had learned something from the Arsenal game Iraola added: “It is difficult when you lose but honestly I am happy with a lot of things from the other day.

“I liked a lot of things but we still need to improve, especially attacking the box.

“A lot of times we were there with the numbers but not making the proper runs and waiting for second balls.

“We put Arsenal under pressure and they defended well but I liked a lot of things.

“I think we have had better results in the Champions League and Carabao Cup (but) it’s very early in the season to establish comparisons.

“We want to continue the run we are having in the Champions League and this is a good chance to get to 12 points and try to finish in the top eight.

“But Champions League away days are difficult and we know this, especially in this stadium and atmosphere. We have to be mentally very ready.” 

Iraola will be without midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who was left at home after reporting discomfort with a heel problem during the warm-up on Sunday.

“He has played in all the games or at least all the games lately, so we trust him, he’s doing very well. I think we have to encourage him to continue,” said Iraola.

“Continue improving, continue learning, continue adding experience. But he is in a very good place.

“Is he ready for the schedule? I think that young players are already ready. It’s just that maybe one day you have to help us for 20 minutes or start and play 65, or maybe a full game.” 

Iraola said the quick turnaround between games meant he had not sought an explanation from Pro Ref about some of the contentious decisions in Sunday’s match, including not awarding a penalty when Alexander Isak’s shirt was pulled by Jurrien Timber.

“No I didn’t ask for an explanation and I haven’t received an explanation,” he said.

“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 tomorrow.”