Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid and could take another important step towards the knockout stages with a second win. LASK, meanwhile, are still searching for their first points following an opening defeat to AEK Athens. The difference in quality between the two sides is clear, but both managers have significant problems to address ahead of the encounter.
Iraola without three key players
Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai will all miss Liverpool’s trip to Linz. The trio returned from international duty with fitness problems and have yet to resume training with the rest of the squad.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Iraola explained that none of the three was particularly far from a return, although he was unwilling to give a specific timeframe. Their availability for the upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton also remains uncertain.
The absences are particularly damaging in attack. Gakpo, Isak and Szoboszlai have been among Liverpool’s most dangerous players this season, and others will now have to make up for their goals and assists.
Iraola does not regard the situation as particularly unusual, however. Injuries following international breaks affect numerous teams, he pointed out, with LASK also facing personnel problems of their own.
Wirtz and Barcola face greater attacking responsibility
Much of the attention is now focused on Florian Wirtz and new signing Bradley Barcola. The French winger is still waiting for his first goal contribution since joining Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain, while Wirtz has registered just one assist so far this season.
Iraola, however, is reluctant to judge either player solely on statistics. Barcola produced several promising moments against Manchester City and created opportunities that his teammates were unable to convert.
The Liverpool manager also defended Wirtz. While acknowledging that the Germany international had not enjoyed his best game against City, he highlighted the midfielder’s strong performances in other matches and for the national team.
Iraola stressed that he retains complete confidence in both players. He prefers to assess their contribution in terms of how they improve the team’s overall play and help Liverpool achieve results. Ultimately, he is less concerned with which individual scores the goals.
Liverpool manager hints at changes to starting XI
The 3-0 defeat to Manchester City gave Iraola further cause for reflection. The Spaniard was particularly dissatisfied with his team’s performance following Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal.
Liverpool conceded their first goal shortly after the red card and subsequently struggled to find the right balance. Having fallen behind, the Reds could not simply retreat into a compact defensive shape. At the same time, they were unable to put Manchester City under effective pressure. Iraola was far more positive about Liverpool’s performance before the sending-off, praising the players’ commitment, intensity and attitude.
The manager suggested that changes to the starting line-up were likely for the match in Linz. Liverpool face four games in ten days, making it essential to manage individual workloads carefully. With so little time between fixtures, preparations have largely been limited to video analysis and tactical briefings.
Kühbauer hopes LASK can defy the odds despite poor form
LASK are also approaching the contest in difficult circumstances. The Austrian side have gone four competitive matches without a victory and suffered a deserved 2-0 defeat against SK Rapid in their most recent outing. Against technically accomplished opponents, LASK struggled to build attacks and rarely managed to create a significant attacking threat. Key players such as Melayro Bogarde and Kasper Jørgensen have also been unable to reproduce the impressive form they showed last season.
Kühbauer has injury problems to contend with as well. George Bello and Moses Usor were both injured against Rapid and join long-term absentee Ramiz Harakate on the sidelines. Yvan Dibango could therefore be called upon to fill in on the left.
At his press conference, Kühbauer made it clear that he did not want to dwell on recent setbacks. The previous matches had been analysed, and the focus now had to shift towards the next opportunity.
He described Liverpool as an exceptional opponent but insisted that his players must not be intimidated by their reputation. Despite the enormous gulf in individual quality, LASK had to believe they were capable of achieving something.
The dramatic comeback against Celtic FC in Champions League qualifying offers a reminder of what is possible. On that occasion, the Austrian side overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit with a remarkable 5-1 home victory.
Kühbauer knows that every player involved will need to produce an exceptional performance if LASK are to trouble Liverpool. Iraola, meanwhile, was unequivocal about his team’s objective: Liverpool want and need to win in Linz to build on their opening victory over Atlético and take another step towards the knockout stages.
