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Iraola prepares for special Champions League clash against Villarreal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 2:15 PM

Last updated Oct 19, 2026

Iraola prepares for special Champions League clash against Villarreal

Summary

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said facing Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday will be a "special" experience due to his friendship with Villarreal's manager, Inigo Perez. The two have known each other since their time at Athletic Bilbao, and Iraola expressed pride in competing against Perez. He mentioned that they have not been in contact recently to maintain focus ahead of the match. This will be Iraola's first Champions League outing as Liverpool's manager, a role he assumed after leaving Bournemouth.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Liverpool hosts Villarreal at Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday.
•Iraola and Perez have known each other since their youth at Athletic Bilbao.
•The match marks Iraola's first Champions League game as Liverpool manager.
•Iraola emphasizes the challenge of facing a close friend in a competitive setting.

Latest Updates

2:15 PMYahoo Sports — 'Special' to face friend Perez in Champions League, says Liverpool's Iraola

What they're saying

"
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola says it will be a "special" experience to go up against a Villarreal side managed by longtime friend Inigo Perez when the teams meet in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday."For me it is a special game because Inigo is my friend," Iraola told a pre-match press conference at Anfield on Monday.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Liverpool Real Madrid Atletico Madrid Champions League Soccer