Liverpool’s horror night underlines Andoni Iraola’s Champions League gamble

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Within minutes, he got it, as Isak headed in Gakpo’s cross to restore Liverpool’s lead at Fenerbahce. But Iraola’s triple-change did not resolve Liverpool’s biggest issue as they dropped points in the Champions League for the first time this season and slipped to consecutive defeats in all competitions: that his team were disorganised and lacked cohesion.

As the visitors twice conceded late on to give up their lead for the second time, a 3-2 defeat to Dirk Kuyt’s side was Liverpool’s worst night since Iraola took charge. The nature of Liverpool’s lopsided squad has meant that Iraola has had to trust his options throughout a demanding period of six games in 18 days.

At Fenerbahce, Iraola largely replicated the approach of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win against Chelsea last week, keeping his first-choice attacking options back before gradually adding strength later on. “We have done this not just today, we have done it all season,” Iraola said in his defence.