IMAGO/Branislav Racko
Nov 3, 2026 5:33 PM
Andoni Iraola has completed his press conference ahead of his side facing Fenerbahce away from home. Here is what the boss had to say in the build-up to this Champions League encounter.
Next Up: Fenerbahce (Away)
Liverpool travel to Turkey to take on Fenerbahce in a difficult away trip for the Reds as the club's relentless schedule continues.
Off the back of a defeat over the weekend to Premier League leaders Arsenal, LFC fans will be looking for their team to bounce back and show their Champions League-winning credentials on Wednesday evening.
Andoni Iraola and Cody Gakpo have spoken to the media prior to this contest, and here is what they had to say.
Cody Gakpo on His Reaction to Isak Penalty Claims
The big taking point coming from the Arsenal game at Anfield was the fact neither the referee or more importantly VAR gave a penalty for Alexander Isak being pulled back from a cross into the box by Gunners defender Jurrien Timber.
IMAGO / Propaganda Photo And this is what Gakpo had to say on the matter:
“It can be frustrating at times. But at the end, it's the referee’s decision. We as a team play pretty fair, and maybe we should dive some more like the gaffer said, but no. We play pretty fair. On both occasions could have given a penalty or a foul but they decided not to and we have to live with it.
Cody Gakpo on Wanting to Prove Something after Nearly Leaving in the Summer
A major transfer saga that dragged on throughout the summer transfer window was the possible departure of Gakpo, with Manchester City being the side closest to securing the Dutchman.
IMAGO / Propaganda PhotoBut Liverpool rejected the Citizens' bid for Gakpo and decided to keep him at the club, and after his strong start to the season, he was asked about whether he felt the need to prove some doubters wrong:
"Not really, my mindset is the same. Try to perform. But it was quite a hectic summer regarding a lot of topics. I just try to enjoy football and enjoy life. It wasn't much of a discussion, was it? The decision was made, and that's it.”
Cody Gakpo on the Gap to Arsenal in the Premier League
Following Sunday's defeat, the gap between Liverpool and Arsenal stands at nine points, but Gakpo was more focused on LFC and the need to find consistency, rather than worrying about the points difference between the two sides:
IMAGO / Sports Press Photo“At the moment nine points. Arsenal are a very good team, they showed that in phases of the game. We are a team in progress, growing in certain aspects. We can be close if we have a very good day but we are working on consistency.”
Cody Gakpo on the Champions League suiting Liverpool more
Many have noticed that the Reds have been performing better in European football than they have in domestic league football, but when asked whether the UCL suits the team more, Cody Gakpo was quick to dismiss that:
“Depends how you look at it. The two games, we scored some goals but also conceded a good amount. The CL is always something special. I don't want to say this league suits us more than the Premier League, though.”
Cody Gakpo on the Forward Line
With the number of options at Liverpool's disposal, many see the forward line as the club's strongest asset.
Gakpo agreed that there is certainly a lot of potential in the final third:
IMAGO/Propaganda Photo “We can see there is a lot of potential; everybody has shown it individually at times, either at the club or another club. Bradley [Barcola] showed that at PSG. We have to know each other very well, and I think from that moment on it can only be better than it is now. Only positive things to look forward to.”
Cody Gakpo on Fenerbahce's Atmosphere
Liverpool have played a few games in Turkey in recent seasons, and all have been difficult and hostile atmospheres, but this is something Gakpo is looking forward to:
“It will be very, very hostile and a great atmosphere. We played last year two games in Turkey and the environment was massive. Some players like it, and I like to play in such an environment. I am looking forward to playing in such a great atmosphere.”
Andoni Iraola on Arsenal Explanation
After the controversial call made by the referee and VAR against Arsenal, the first question posed to Andoni Iraola was whether he or the club had received an apology from Pro Ref.
“No I haven't asked for one and haven't had one. I don't have time, honestly I just prepare for this, focus on this and the opposition.”
Andoni Iraola on Fenerbahce's Crowd
Onto tomorrow's opponents, and it is expected to be a lively atmosphere, despite the poor form that the Turkish giants are in, with Iraola ready for the challenge:
“I think Istanbul is going to be special for Liverpool; you cannot find another night like [2005], a comeback like that. Tomorrow, I know it will be tough; always difficult to come to Turkey and play.
“Fenerbahce have experience and a good squad; they know how to play in the CL, so we have to kill their confidence and the momentum. I think we've had better results in the CL and Carabao than in the PL.
“We want to continue this run in the CL, 3 games, 9 points. We can go to 12, and we try to finish in the top eight, but CL away days are tough. Mentally, we have to be ready.”
Andoni Iraola on Ryan Gravenberch
The one major omission from the travelling party to Turkey was Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, with Iraola confirming that he does have an injury, but it is being assessed day by day.
“It's a day-to-day thing; it's a hell injury; it's about the pain. He's had some discomfort; he was warming up against Arsenal and was not 100%. Hopefully he can be available for the weekend, lovely, but we cannot say no.”
Andoni Iraola on Trey Nyoni
In the absence of Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni could be set for more opportunities, like on Sunday, to start for the Reds in the next couple of games, with Iraola stating he needs to keep doing what he is doing:
IMAGO / Propaganda Photo“I think he has to continue in that same place he's been since the start of the season. We trust him; he's doing very well. He needs to continue; we have to encourage him.
“Young players are ready when they play 20 or 65, maybe a full game. It's about endurance; you know they are not going to get tired, but you need to add that to their body. Rio, Trey, Lewis- they are playing important minutes, and I am happy with them.”
Andoni Iraola on Arsenal Performance
Despite the loss, the general feeling was that Liverpool played well for large parts of the game, and this was a feeling echoed by Andoni Iraola:
“It's tough when you lose but I am happy with a lot of things, we still need to improve, especially attacking the box. We have to be in the box with the numbers, making the proper runs.
“We put Arsenal under pressure and they defended well but I liked a lot of things.”
Andoni Iraola on Fenerbahce
And finally, when discussing the opposition for their Champions League game, Andoni Iraola highlighted the difficulties surrounding playing a team with several technically strong players and a manager who hasn't been in charge for many games:
IMAGO / ANP“A team that has very good players, very good technical level. If we don't press them properly, we can allow them to control the game. They have experienced players, so the stronger we start, the fewer chances they will have.”
Comment Below: Should Trey Nyoni Start Against Fenerbahce In Ryan Gravenberch's Absence?
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