Andoni Iraola explains the one thing he won't do with Liverpool team selection - 'you cannot'

Iraola says he cannot overthink team selection during Liverpool's gruelling fixture schedule of nine games in 29 days.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has acknowledged the challenge of managing his squad through an intense period, with the Reds playing their sixth game in a run of nine matches across 29 days. Ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Chelsea at Anfield, Iraola explained that the relentless schedule leaves little time for detailed preparation.

"You cannot overthink," Iraola said. "You analyse straight away what happened but in one hour the next game and you have to be ready for this." He noted that the compressed fixture list affects all clubs similarly, though the timing of rest days can vary. Liverpool face Chelsea on Wednesday, then Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, followed by trips to Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace.

Iraola confirmed Liverpool will make changes to their starting XI against Chelsea, having rotated in each of their last nine games. However, he stressed the team's ambition: "We want to win the game. We want to be competitive. We want to earn the right to be in the draw again and that only happens if you win."