Andoni Iraola defends Liverpool team selections but admits 'we have been a lot weaker'

Iraola defends rotating his squad in the Champions League, acknowledging Liverpool have been weaker defensively but insisting the long-term approach will benefit the team.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has defended his rotation policy in European competition, despite the Reds' inconsistent defensive record in the Champions League this season.

Iraola made five changes for Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Fenerbahce in Turkey, with Bradley Barcola struggling in an unfamiliar centre-forward role and Kostas Tsimikas finding it difficult against Mason Greenwood. The manager also rotated heavily for the 4-3 win over Villarreal at Anfield after making five changes from the Brentford victory.

While acknowledging that Liverpool have "been a lot weaker defensively" in European matches, Iraola insisted the coaching staff are taking a long-term view to keep players involved and fresh. He highlighted the contrast between the Premier League, where Liverpool are scoring less and conceding less, and the Champions League, where they are both scoring and conceding heavily. Iraola said the team must improve their attacking threat in the box while maintaining control, pointing to their performance against Arsenal as an example of where they need to be better.