Iraola Wants Liverpool Reaction at Palace After Two Defeats

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called for a strong response from his players when they visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday (Nov 8), after the club slipped to two straight defeats, Goal reported from his pre-match press conference on Friday (Nov 6).

Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal last Sunday (Nov 1) and were then beaten 3-2 by Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday (Nov 4), according to the report. The results have left them fifth in the table on 15 points, nine behind leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool reaction needed against Palace

Responding to anger among supporters, Iraola said his side were neither as poor as their recent displays suggested nor as good as they had looked a week earlier. He said a win at Palace was urgently needed, adding: “We have to produce the required reaction.”

Iraola also praised the quality of Sunday’s opponents and their football in possession. Goal reported that Palace sit 18th with seven points, and that the Liverpool boss noted they had drawn 1-1 with Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday (Nov 5).

According to the same report, Iraola was still angry that Alexander Isak was not awarded a penalty in the defeat by Arsenal.

Gravenberch the only injury doubt

Ryan Gravenberch is the only doubt for the trip, Iraola said. The club’s official website reported that he missed the Fenerbahce match with a heel injury and also played no part against Arsenal.

Iraola described Gravenberch’s situation as day-to-day, saying “it’s a matter of pain” and that the player would be assessed on whether he can manage it. Liverpool said his condition is being checked daily and he still has a chance of facing Palace. Iraola said the rest of the squad’s availability was unchanged.

Ngumoha England call-up welcomed

Iraola also welcomed the selection of Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha in the England squad named by Thomas Tuchel on Friday, Goal reported.

#latestmalaysia

Le Bris Under Pressure as Sunderland Lose to Dinamo Zagreb