Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola says Champions League draw delivered exactly the challenge expected

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says the club’s difficult UEFA Champions League league-phase draw has produced the kind of demanding European test he anticipated.

The draw, held in Monaco on Thursday evening, gave Liverpool four home matches at Anfield against Atletico de Madrid, Porto, Villarreal and Lens. Their away fixtures will be against Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and Austrian side LASK.

Iraola welcomed the challenge in his first reaction, published on Liverpool’s official website, while acknowledging that the club was always likely to face a group of strong opponents.

“It’s an exciting and difficult draw, but we already knew that we would face strong teams regardless of the outcome of the draw, and that is exactly what happened,” said the Spanish manager.

Liverpool’s route includes matches against teams from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey and Austria, with Anfield set to host four of the league-phase encounters. The club will also travel to four different countries as part of its European campaign.

Iraola said the quality of the opposition was central to the appeal of the competition and insisted Liverpool would need to approach every fixture with maximum preparation.

“That is the strength of the Champions League, and that is why taking part in it represents a real test,” he said. “Each of these matches will be a difficult challenge in its own way, so we have to prepare for them as fully as possible and give our very best on the pitch.”

Despite his enthusiasm for Liverpool’s European schedule, Iraola stressed that domestic priorities must come first. The manager said his side had two important Premier League matches to play before turning its attention to the Champions League.

“It is up to us to be ready, but we have two important Premier League matches before then, and we will focus on them completely before thinking about the Champions League,” he added.

The draw also means Liverpool supporters can look forward to a series of major European nights at Anfield, alongside trips to stadiums in Italy, Belgium, Austria and Turkey.

Iraola said the competition carried particular significance because of its place in Liverpool’s history and spoke of his pride at leading the club in the tournament.

“The Champions League represents a challenge that we are eagerly looking forward to, and it is also exciting for our supporters because it will give us the opportunity to enjoy great European nights at Anfield, as well as visits to stadiums in Italy, Belgium, Austria and Turkey,” he said.

“When I came here, I knew how special the Champions League was and how closely it was connected to Liverpool’s history, so it will be an honour for me and my staff to work with the team in this competition.”

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