Iraola wants Liverpool to quiet Fenerbahce fans in Istanbul

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has challenged his side to take the momentum out of Fenerbahce and silence their supporters when the teams meet in the Uefa Champions League in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Iraola expects a deafening reception at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium but believes Liverpool can handle the hostile atmosphere by breaking the link between Fenerbahce’s players and their passionate home support.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Iraola said on Tuesday. “It’s always difficult to come to Turkey and play and we have to be very ready.

“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.

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

“We want to continue how we have done in the Champions League. It is a good chance to get to 12 points and then finish in the Top 8.”

Liverpool’s task comes after they failed to record a shot on target in a home league match for the first time since records began in 2003 during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by English Premier League champions Arsenal.

Their lack of attacking threat has been a recurring issue at times this season as they adjust to Iraola’s preferred style of play. Liverpool have scored 11 goals in nine Premier League matches, although their record in Europe is perfect: six against LASK, four against Villarreal and two against Atletico Madrid.

Asked whether the Arsenal defeat had provided lessons, Iraola said: “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.”

Liverpool are fifth in the league and already nine points behind leaders Arsenal. It has not been the start Iraola would have wanted in his first season after arriving from Bournemouth to replace the sacked Arne Slot.

“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,” he added.

Liverpool will be without Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who stayed at home after experiencing discomfort from a heel problem during Sunday’s warm-up.

#### Uefa Champions League matchday five

Tuesday’s results included Galatasaray beating VfB Stuttgart 2-0, Sporting winning 1-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter defeating Feyenoord 3-0 and LOSC drawing 0-0 with Bodø/Glimt. Bayern beat Atletico 2-0, PSG won 6-0 at Villarreal, Barcelona defeated Aston Villa 3-0, Manchester United beat Roma 3-2 and LASK overcame Slovan Bratislava 4-0.

Wednesday’s fixtures are Fenerbahce v Liverpool and AEK v Real Madrid at 7.45pm; Lens v Como, Dortmund v Betis, RB Leipzig v Man City, Porto v Napoli, PSV v Club Brugge, Slavia Praha v Arsenal and Viking v Sabah at 10pm.