Iraola, who has a close relationship with Xabi Alonso: We now want to beat his team.

Liverpool will host another Premier League giant, Chelsea, at Anfield in the fourth round of the 2026/27 EFL Cup. At a press conference, Andoni Iraola stated that he and Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso are close friends, but also emphasized that Liverpool will strive to defeat Alonso's team on the pitch.

In the earlier Premier League match, Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 thanks to an own goal forced by Wirtz and a goal from Isak. This was Liverpool's first victory at Anfield in the new Premier League season.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said, "I'm lucky because I have many friends who are my opponents, and they are all excellent managers. Just like last week when we faced Villarreal managed by Inigo Perez, I think that no matter the result of the game, we will take some time after the game to talk for at least 5 minutes."

“I think everyone knows now that Xabi Alonso and I are close friends. We grew up together and played for the same team. As players, we were teammates, faced each other on the field, and even represented the Spanish national team together.”

Andoni Iraola said, "But now he's our opponent, and we want to beat his team. He'll definitely be thinking the same thing about us. As for after the game, we can certainly have a good chat. I said the same thing before when talking about Iñigo Perez, and I'll say the same thing against Xabi Alonso."

“Once we become opponents in a match, our relationship will temporarily become distant because we will reduce communication. This is actually a sign of mutual respect. But he is a very good friend of mine, and of course I sincerely wish him all the best.”

When discussing the goals and challenges in this season's League Cup, Andoni Iraola said, "Every competition is an opportunity, especially when you're managing a club like Liverpool, you have to see every competition that way. I really want to win and stay in this competition, but I also know that we have to play very well because the opponent is a very strong team."

"Chelsea have no European competitions this season, so this competition is definitely very important for them. Therefore, this game will not be easy."

In addition, Andoni Iraola said, "Whether it's completing more comebacks or experiencing defeats, these experiences will help us understand each other better, make it easier to build chemistry, find references and basis in the game, and continue to improve."

“We hope to complete this process while winning, and that’s the key. However, every game is a challenge now, and it’s not easy for us to win any of them, but we must keep moving forward.”

Image source: Internet