Andoni Iraola will put old international-team memories to one side when Liverpool meet Fulham, with the manager expecting a proper Premier League examination from a side he believes have deserved more from their early results.
Liverpool prepare for Fulham test
The fixture carries a Spanish connection in the dugouts, with Iraola set to face Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa. The pair knew one another from their playing days, although Iraola said they were never particularly close.
They shared only a small number of appearances with Spain and were, in effect, rivals for the same place. Iraola smiled at the comparison, admitting Arbeloa came out ahead in that particular contest because he won more international caps.
A familiar opponent from another career
- Iraola recalled playing against Arbeloa on numerous occasions in Spain.
- Those meetings came while Arbeloa represented Deportivo La Coruña, Real Madrid and other clubs during a lengthy top-level career in European football.
- Both former Spain internationals have since moved into management, creating a fresh chapter when Liverpool and Fulham meet.
- Once the match begins, however, Iraola said the past will carry little weight: his focus will be solely on his own side and the demands of the Premier League contest.
Respect for Fulham’s quality
Iraola was clear that Fulham’s results so far should not be taken as a full measure of their performances. He believes the London club have controlled long periods of matches and possess technically gifted players capable of making the afternoon uncomfortable for Liverpool.
There may be familiarity between the managers, but it will not make the fixture any softer. Iraola expects a demanding game against a Fulham side he rates more highly than their points return suggests.
SEO Title: Andoni Iraola on Álvaro Arbeloa and Liverpool’s Fulham challenge
SEO Description: Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola reflects on his playing connection with Fulham boss Álvaro Arbeloa and warns that Fulham’s performances have merited better results.
