Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has refused to dwell on controversial refereeing decisions from the recent match against Arsenal, stating that his attention is entirely focused on the upcoming Champions League fixture in Istanbul.
Focusing on Europe After Arsenal Defeat
The Reds are aiming to recover from their Premier League loss against the Gunners while preserving their flawless European record, having secured nine points from their first three matches in the competition. As reported by 101 Great Goals, Iraola stated that he did not request clarification from PGMOL regarding the officiating calls during the defeat.
“I didn’t ask for an explanation. I told you what I think about the plays but honestly I don’t have time,” Iraola said, explaining that his schedule has been dedicated to analyzing the opposition and preparing his squad.
Despite the setback, the manager found encouragement in his team’s display while noting areas that require development. “It is difficult when you lose but I am happy with a lot of things from the other day,” he explained, adding that the team must enhance their penalty box play by making sharper runs when numbers are high in the opposition area.
Targeting a Fourth Straight Win in Istanbul
Liverpool travel back to Istanbul, the historic site of their remarkable comeback victory against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. While acknowledging the city’s special place in the club’s history, Iraola cautioned that his squad faces a tough challenge ahead.
“Istanbul is always going to be very special for Liverpool. It is difficult to find a more important night,” he noted, before emphasizing the difficulty of away fixtures in Europe.
Liverpool will aim to secure their fourth consecutive win in the tournament to reach 12 points and strengthen their position for a top-eight finish.
