Iraola: Optimistic on Wirtz, tough draw with Chelsea, but our aim is to advance

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola spoke ahead of tomorrow's Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea. The Spaniard revealed that Florian Wirtz, who was forced off in the match against Brighton, is likely to be available, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz are further behind in their recovery and look set to miss out once again.

"We still have to wait. We train later today. Florian Wirtz was feeling quite good. I'm optimistic that he will be available. As for Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz, I'm not so sure. I don't want to say 'no', but I think their situation is more complicated than Florian's," Iraola stated at his press conference today.

The Spaniard also addressed potential squad rotation and his approach to the competition itself.

"There will definitely be changes, but we want to win the match. We want to be competitive. We need to assess the players' physical condition. We aim to make adjustments from game to game. We want to reach the next round. We were unlucky with the draw getting Chelsea, and it wasn't lucky for them either. But we want to earn the right to be in the hat for the next round, and that only comes with a victory.

Every competition is important. I would love to win tomorrow and have the chance to lift the trophy, but I know we must play very well. We are up against a side not involved in European football, so this tournament carries immense importance for them.

It's the same for everyone. There is no time. We don't have time, Chelsea don't have time, Arsenal don't either. Having just one extra day makes a huge difference. Against Brighton we were fortunate because we had more preparation days. When you lack time on the pitch, everything has to be done through video analysis. Across the games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace, we will certainly have less rest than our opponents, but sometimes you just have to adapt. You can't overthink it. It's all about adaptation," the manager added.

Iraola insisted he is not overly concerned by the fact that Brighton commanded around 65% possession at Anfield a few days ago.

"I've always said that whoever controls chance creation controls the game. It's not simply about possession. Brighton had the ball, but mostly inside their own half. In the final 10 minutes we had a strong spell where we managed things much better. In the second half there was a period where we conceded too much territory. Our long-term goal is to play the way we did during the opening 30 to 35 minutes—that is what we are striving for. Over 90 minutes, there will inevitably be phases where we need to remain compact. We have to know how to manage those different moments. I was quite pleased with the last match. Against Villarreal there were spells where the opposition controlled us and we felt uncomfortable, but in our last game the feeling was one of confidence and composure. The more time we spend together, building shared experience and navigating different game states, the better we understand each other. That makes it easier to establish clear reference points and keep progressing. We want to follow this path while winning our matches."

Iraola also touched upon his longstanding friendship with Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

"I've probably given 25 interviews about our relationship, but by now everyone knows the story. We were close friends, grew up together in the same team, faced each other at club level, and played together for the national team. Now, however, we find ourselves in the exact same spot: I want to beat him, and he wants to beat us. When we go head-to-head, our relationship isn't great because we stop talking! But he is a great friend and I wish him all the best."