Andoni Iraola has insisted that he could not have asked for more from his players afterwards Liverpool launched their Champions League campaign with a Victory by 2-1 at Atlético de Madrid.
Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute after pouncing on Julian Álvarez’s pass, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalized before the break and Alexis Mac Allister completed the conversion five minutes into the second half.
The win came at a cost, however, with summer signing Bradley Barcola limping off with a calf injury in the second half.
Speaking to TNT Sports afterwards, Iraola was asked about the difficult opening. “It’s hard to ask for more.
“I think we showed great character, especially the players after a difficult start. I loved it, the atmosphere was amazing and I feel lucky to experience it.”
The Spaniard was honest enough to accept personal responsibility for being caught cold by Atlético’s form.
“I have to blame myself from the beginning because they surprised me a little tactically, they played five at the back, a 5-3-2.
“We expected something different and we waited to correct it. After the break, we played a much better game, we pressed better and I think we were a better team.”
Mac Allister’s match-winning contribution was all the more remarkable given the controversy surrounding his contract situation.
The Argentine had gone public with his frustration at being denied a new deal on the eve of the match, with team-mates Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch having recently put pen to paper over extensions.
Iraola was full of praise for the two goalscorers.
“Yes, a beautiful goal for him and Dominik,” he said. “They ran a lot. Alexis was very smart, I think it was a very cheap first yellow.
“They were pushing to find the second. He’s a smart player and he could survive.”