Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola pointed to “cheap” and “messy” goals as the reasons for his side’s 3-2 loss in Istanbul against Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Reds lacked discipline after scoring, surrendering two leads in the game – with goals coming soon after they had netted themselves.
Iraola backed his side’s offensive capabilities, but “conceding almost straight away” was what he felt hurt the team’s confidence to win in a tough atmosphere.
Cheap, messy goals
“Cheap goals. Messy goals. The free-kick is quite far out, through the wall,” Iraola told Sky Sports.
“The last goal was a long throw, the second one Cody (Gakpo) touched the ball just in front of Ali (goalkeeper Alisson).
“In the stadium it was almost impossible to communicate, it was difficult for me to give instructions and the communication was difficult between Cody and Ali.
“We conceded from a free-kick, a corner, a long throw and that has hurt us,” Iraola added.
“We have gone in front twice, we conceded in situations we should have definitely done better (with).
Frustrating game, despite good moments
“It is frustrating because it is a difficult place to play and for the most part of the game we were thinking we could win this one,” Iraola continued.
“The first one the wall we didn’t set properly, the last one when he jumps he wins the ball against three defenders.
“I think before scoring the goals we had very good moments on the ball, very good offensive situations. The thing is we conceded almost straight away.
“We have been dealing well with these situations up to today. It has cost us. We have to do better.”
Liverpool meet Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with the Reds looking to cull a two-match losing streak and trigger a surge up the Premier League table.
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