Iraola breaks down the Reds’ situation before the Carabao Cup

Liverpool host Tottenham this Tuesday at Anfield in the Carabao Cup third round after both sides drew 0-0 in their league games. Iraola’s Liverpool had a goalless match against Fulham, while Spurs also ended level—this time vs Everton. With the Reds sitting 7th, six points behind the group containing Arsenal and Manchester City, the manager’s priority is maintaining performance and managing the tight match rhythm.

Learning to rotate properly

Iraola said his current task is to figure out which players can handle every-three-days schedules and which ones need rest so output doesn’t drop or injury risk rises. One of the changes he expects is that Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal instead of Alisson Becker.

He also confirmed that Joe Gomez is close to returning. Iraola added that when he was at Bournemouth he tried to sign Mamardashvili, giving an indication of how highly he rates that option.

Injuries and the 0-0 message

On the disappointing 0-0 against Fulham, Iraola addressed the anger of the Anfield crowd, saying he feels it too. “I understand the frustration… we felt it as well,” he said, pointing out that the team were coming off strong results vs Ipswich and Atlético. “That’s football,” he added, stressing that the key now is keeping consistency.

He then detailed the injury situation: Conor Bradley is still short of training with the squad—he works alone, has started touching the ball, and Iraola wants him back as soon as possible. For Giovanni Leoni, the coach said he is “closer to returning.”

Mundo Deportivo reports Iraola’s view of the Carabao Cup is straightforward: “We want to play well and win.” He also wouldn’t confirm whether Virgil van Dijk has spoken with Xavi Hernández—named Netherlands coach—saying those are private matters.