Fenerbahçe 3–2 Liverpool: What we learned and Andoni Iraola reaction

The Reds suffered a late collapse against Fenerbahçe 3-2 on November 4 in the Champions League action. Trey Nyoni and Aleander Isak scored to give Liverpool a 2-1 second half lead, but the defense surrendered two goals inside the final 20 minutes to lose 3-2. Read Andoni Iraola’s reaction below as well as how Nyoni has quickly become one of Liverpool’s best players so far this season.

1. Standout performer and selection impact

Iraola hinted in his pre-match press conference that Trey Nyoni would play a big role and boy, did he ever. Not only did he open the scoring in the 25th minute, Nyoni also delivered dangerous balls in the box from his midfield position and tracked back on defense numerous times. It was enough to earn him a perfect 10/10 in our player ratings. I know he has only played in a handful of games this season, but he is quickly becoming a star and shining brighter each match. My only concern is burnout, but luckily, Nyoni and others have the opportunity to rest after the upcoming Crystal Palace match due to the international break.

2. Tactical turning point

Liverpool’s defense late in games, particularly in the UCL.. Just look at the scores from the last two matches: 4-3 vs. Villarreal and 6-3 vs. LASK. With the 3 goals surrendered vs. Fenerbahce, that’s 9 goals in the last 3 UCL matches and that’s not good enough for a club like Liverpool. Maybe Iraola should consider switching to a more defensive formation late in matches to prevent the Reds from leaking goals.

3. What Andoni Iraola said and what comes next

Iraola is also concerned about giving away so many goals, but what is the reason behind the defensive lapses?

“The main reason I can find to lose the game is we conceded [from] three set-pieces. It’s something that we were doing very well in the league, I think we were dealing [with it] quite well until today,” he said. “We knew it was one of the strengths of Fenerbahce, but we concede from a free-kick, from a corner, even from the long throw at the end. Yes, as you say, they are cheap goals. They are messy goals. It’s a free-kick; it’s quite far also the free-kick. You know, it is through the wall, [they are] mistakes that can cost you. The last goal… it is a long throw, the first phase is control, but after a very long ball and Muriqi wins it.”

Liverpool hope to bounce back when they travel to Crystal Palace on November 8th

LFC Globe Verdict

This is not the end of the world for Liverpool but it is concerning. Two straight losses have the Reds tumbling down the tables in both the EPL and UCL (5th & 8th). Do they have time to recover? Of course, but it needs to start with a win at Palace, building momentum heading into the break.

Have your say

What’s your solution for fixing Liverpool’s defensive problems? Drop a comment below.