Liverpool (AFP) - Liverpool's Spanish coach Andoni Iraola called for a "more comprehensive" outlook, after the two successive defeats against Arsenal and Turkish Fenerbahce reduced the positive atmosphere that prevailed at Anfield.

Published on: 06/11/2026 - 15:45

The Reds' 0-1 loss to Arsenal last week left the team nine points behind the leaders of the English Premier League, before three days later Liverpool suffered its first defeat this season in the Champions League during its match in Turkey.

Iraola, who is in his first season at the helm of Liverpool's coaching staff, admitted that the two defeats had a painful impact, as his team prepares to face struggling Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Spanish coach told reporters on Friday, "A week ago, during this press conference, we were achieving a series of good results, and everything was going excellently and our morale was better."

He added, "Now, after two defeats, the situation has changed, and it is natural for it to change. It should be like this in clubs like ours. Now we have to respond. After two defeats, we need to win away from home against Crystal Palace."

Iraola pointed out that periods of ups and downs are inevitable at this early stage of his coaching period, after he succeeded the Dutchman Arne Sloat in June.

The former Bournemouth coach continued, "When we lose a match, everyone gets angry, but we have to look at things from a more comprehensive perspective, and we realize that during this journey there will be periods of ups and downs."

He continued: "We are not as bad as our situation may seem today, nor were we as good as our situation seemed a week ago. We have to look at things from a broader perspective. This is also part of the challenge I face regarding the morale of the group."

© 2026 AFP

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