Iraola Wants Liverpool Sharper in Attack Before Istanbul
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola wants his side to sharpen up in attack before they travel to Istanbul for a Champions League match against Fenerbahce on Wednesday. The Guardian reported his comments on Tuesday.
The European picture is good for Liverpool. They have won every Champions League game they have played this season, and they have scored 12 goals in those three matches. Their Premier League scoring has been quieter, with 11 goals in nine games.
The problem showed up on Sunday. Liverpool lost at home to Arsenal in the Premier League and failed to register a single shot on target. A shot on target is one that forces the goalkeeper into a save or goes in. According to Opta, the football data company, it is the first time Liverpool have failed to manage one at home since its records began in the 2003-04 season.
Their opponents have problems of their own. Fenerbahce lost 2-1 to Galatasaray last week, and coach Ismail Kartal resigned after the defeat. Dirk Kuyt has stepped in as interim coach, meaning he is in charge until a permanent appointment is made. Kuyt knows the club well. He played for Fenerbahce for three seasons after leaving Liverpool in 2012, and he returned this summer as Kartal's assistant.
Iraola was also asked about a moment from the Arsenal game. Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled the shirt of Alexander Isak, but the referee waved it away. Iraola said he has not asked for an explanation from Pro Ref, the body that oversees Premier League referees, and has not received one.
There is some good news on the team sheet, and some that is less good. Ryan Gravenberch, the midfielder, is injured and will miss the trip to Istanbul. Iraola said Gravenberch could return at the weekend. Liverpool have named a 22-man squad for the game, which is the group of players travelling with the team.
Iraola's squad has been a talking point since he arrived. At his first press conference as Liverpool boss in July, he said the club had signed two players but still needed more before the new season.
What makes this trip interesting is the contrast. Liverpool arrive unbeaten in Europe but short of goals in the league, and they have not found a way to create clear chances against Arsenal. Fenerbahce are looking for stability under a new interim coach. Both teams have a reason to want a strong performance on Wednesday, and the chance to get it right comes quickly.
