‘Big change’ – Andoni Iraola admits one factor will pose a huge ‘challenge’ to him at Liverpool

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ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYIn contrast, the Reds participate in the Champions League on a near-annual basis, which brings with it a much more demanding fixture load throughout the campaign, especially when it’s matched by prolonged domestic cup runs.Iraola not shying away from greater demands at LiverpoolLiverpool played 56 matches in all competitions last term, 16 more than Bournemouth, and Iraola is aware that he’ll be facing into the unknown by juggling domestic and European commitments, although it’s a challenge that he’s ready to embrace.The head coach said (via Liverpool Echo): “I think it’s a big challenge for me and a big change. I think it’s a great opportunity for the players.

I loved these seasons as a player, playing a lot.“It’s a chance to use more players also, because it’s impossible to deal with this situation with just a few players. Injuries will happen, [so] we have to get ready in terms of squad depth.“We can go through those months, December, January – especially here in England, they are very hard.

We have to arrive to those months in a situation where we can deal with them.”Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Realistically, the Reds will have at least 10 European fixtures next term.That’ll present an unprecedented managerial challenge for the 44-year-old, especially as he’s now at a club where participation in Europe isn’t just a bonus to be enjoyed – he’ll be expected to deliver wins against most opposition in the tournament.Iraola wasn’t shy this morning about declaring that his squad needs more depth, and he’ll be very much aware of how LFC were decimated by numerous lengthy injury absences last season.Injuries will inevitably crop up in the coming months, but what Liverpool can do is assemble a squad of sufficient quality and quantity to roll with those punches rather than being sunk by them.It’s a step into the unknown for the head coach, but it’s a challenge that he seems ready to embrace.