Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was hoping not to draw Liverpool in the Carabao Cup
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be familiar with Liverpool having faced the Reds in the Premier League earlier this season. Jurgen Klopp’s men came back from a goal down to win 3-1 on the night.
The Reds were still clicking into top gear at that point as several new players were getting integrated. But the renewed fighting spirit was apparent for all to see as Liverpool dominated proceedings despite going down to ten men following the dismissal of Alexis Mac Allister.
Apart from the controversial loss to Tottenham Hotspur and the dropped points at Chelsea and Brighton, Jurgen Klopp’s men have been sensational. They appear to have rediscovered their confidence and are brimming with momentum ahead of the Carabao Cup Fourth Round clash later today.
The ease with which the Reds dispatched Everton and Nottingham Forest serves as a reminder to the threat the Klopp’s roster possesses. With enough strength in depth to call upon, drawing the Merseysiders was sure to be a difficult challenge to any side in the English game.
According to the Mirror, Iraola has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he would have preferred an easier draw. Despite playing at home, he is well aware that the Merseysiders are the real deal and will prove to be a difficult challenge to overcome.
“If we could choose, I guarantee we wouldn’t have chosen Liverpool.”
The 41-year-old is in just his fifth year as a senior manager and is yet to fulfil his potential as a tactician. There is promise, however, and a bright future is his for the taking. Bournemouth have largely played well this season but have found themselves privy to poor luck or bad mistakes at an individual level.
Despite being annoyed at the tough draw, Iraola is keen to look at the bright side. He hopes home support will prove decisive as he aims to spring a surprise. After all, it is not everyday that Bournemouth have the chance to make it to the last eight of the League Cup.
“We are talking about a team that almost hasn’t lost this season. The only good thing about the draw is that we play at home and that is an advantage we’ll have to use.”
Both Liverpool and Bournemouth met at the similar stage of the competition in 2015/16. Nathaniel Clyne’s first half strike gave the Reds the win on the night as they went on to eventually lose to Manchester City in the final.
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The competition might not be a priority to most big clubs but Liverpool have a special place for the League Cup in their hearts. The Reds are the most successful side in the competition’s history having won it nine times. We most recently secured it in 2022, defeating Chelsea on penalties in the final. Hopefully number 10 will beckon this season.
