Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola faces a familiar opponent Tuesday night, with former assistant and close friend Inigo Perez bringing Villarreal to Anfield for a Champions League meeting.
The Premier League club enters its third league-phase fixture seeking a third victory. Iraola’s personal connection with the visiting coach adds another dimension to the competitive challenge.
As BBC Sport reported Tuesday, Iraola regards the encounter as special because of their friendship, which began during their years together at Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Perez became his assistant at Rayo Vallecano during 2022–23. Iraola later tried to take him to Bournemouth, but an unsuccessful work permit application prevented the move.
In Liverpool’s published press conference, Iraola explained that they had spoken less as the match approached, creating professional distance after years of discussing football and their families.
He said their mutual knowledge would make the occasion unusual in a positive way. Familiarity, however, leaves both coaches preparing to overcome someone who understands their methods.
Iraola also reflected on the uncertainty surrounding Perez’s attempted move to England. He described the period as uncomfortable, with his prospective assistant unable to work while awaiting permission.
Perez subsequently took charge of Rayo and now coaches Villarreal in Europe’s leading club competition. Iraola expressed happiness that his friend’s career had progressed despite that earlier setback.
The reunion comes with practical selection issues for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai are unavailable after being forced off during Saturday’s Premier League victory at Brentford.
The club’s team news update distinguished their situations: Frimpong has a new muscle injury, while Szoboszlai experienced a recurrence of the problem that had already interrupted his availability.
Iraola said a Frimpong return before the November international break would be difficult. With Szoboszlai, he called for more patience rather than suggesting the injury had become worse.
Ryan Gravenberch is available again after serving a one-match Premier League suspension. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined, further shaping the options available to Liverpool.
Those absences make the balance of the starting side a significant consideration. The visitors’ coach may know Iraola well, but personnel will also influence how Liverpool approaches the contest.
Villarreal received a boost when Tajon Buchanan returned to training Monday following a hamstring injury. His return to training does not, by itself, confirm a place in the lineup.
The visitors also have a former Liverpool player in goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. He spent time with the club from 2008 to 2013 without making a competitive first-team appearance.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. BST Tuesday at Anfield. For Iraola, a personal reunion will briefly give way to Liverpool’s attempt to maintain its winning European start.
