Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first-ever UEFA Champions League match when his side host Atletico Madrid at Anfield in their opening game of the competition, with Bradley Barcola in contention to make his first start for the club.
The six-time European champions were knocked out by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s quarter-finals. Iraola’s appointment has ushered in a new era at Liverpool, who will be hoping to go further in Europe this time around.
Liverpool also have recent Anfield history on their side against Atletico Madrid. They secured a 3-2 victory in the corresponding fixture last season after captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner to settle a dramatic contest.
For Iraola, the match represents a significant personal milestone. His only previous experience of European football as a manager came during the 2018-19 season, when he guided AEK Larnaca through qualifying and into the Europa League group stage.
The Liverpool manager acknowledged the greater Champions League experience of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, while making clear the respect he has for his fellow Spaniard. Iraola has played against Simeone and has also faced him as a coach.
“He has done a very good job as a manager. It is remarkable and it is definitely a big challenge for us. I played against him as a player and I have coached against him. He has much more experience than me in this kind of game but I hope tomorrow we can give him a good game.”
Iraola described Atletico Madrid as one of the most difficult opponents Liverpool will meet, although he believes the club’s regular schedule in the Premier League has prepared his players for demanding matches.
"One of the toughest opponents we will face. But we play against very good teams in the PL. I know quite well Atletico, some of their players. My first game in CL is a great game to play. It will show us where we are. We showed on Friday some good signs but let's see against Atletico where we are."
Liverpool began their Champions League campaign without Mohamed Salah for the first time since the 2014-15 season. However, Iraola has several other attacking options available, including Barcola, Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha.
The manager also discussed the physical demands of balancing European football with domestic competition. Liverpool played on Friday, meaning Iraola expects the immediate schedule to be manageable, although he warned that the following week will present a greater test.
"This is going to be a challenge I hope through the season as that means we are in the competitions.This week won't be that bad as we didn't play til Friday next week will be more difficult. I will have to get used to it and definitely you have it in mind when you pick the team the next games.I will not tell you if I plan to rotate! Still my players don't know the line-up so I won't tell you. But I have to consider we have more games and where we are physically.
A European night at Anfield is also a long-held ambition for the Liverpool manager, who said he hoped to enjoy the occasion while ensuring his team were ready to compete effectively.
On European nights under the lights at Anfield: "It's one of the dreams when you start. When I started my coaching career I dreamt of being in a position I am now so I hope I can enjoy it. It is about putting the team together in a position where we can play a good game. Last Friday we needed a win definitely after the bad taste of two draws, I saw some good performances, starting the game stronger with more intensity."
Barcola made only a brief appearance in Liverpool’s win over Ipswich Town last Friday, but Iraola indicated that the summer signing is ready for a more substantial role against Atletico Madrid.
"He is ready to play more minutes. He has been training quite normally, only thing he hasn't had pre-season (games). But he is in a really good place."