Programme notesAndoni Iraola: An occasion like tonight at Anfield speaks for itself

The Reds host Atletico Madrid at Anfield to begin their newest Champions League adventure on matchday one of the league phase.

For head coach Iraola, the fixture will provide a first experience of the stadium’s unique aura on evenings of European action.

That is a prospect the Basque is eager to be part of – and also contribute to.

“One of the questions I have been asked most since coming to Liverpool is how much I am looking forward to my first European night at Anfield,” Iraola writes in his matchday programme notes.

“It is one of those questions that does not really require too much of a response because this is the kind of occasion that speaks for itself.

“The way I look at it is simple – this is a tradition and an experience that we have to embrace. It is not something that we can just expect to happen. Maybe there are elements that we can take for granted; the darkness, the floodlights, the time of day and so on. But the rest has to be created on the night itself – by people and by passion.

“This is our responsibility. We know what the legacy of this club is and we know the impact it can have, so we have to use this knowledge to inspire us.

“I know the supporters at this club are always ready to play their part. Again, this is a tradition that has been built up over many, many years and countless occasions when the atmosphere at Anfield has been incredible in a way that lifts the Liverpool players and sometimes to such an extent that it makes the impossible become possible.

“This is something that excites me so much. Again, though, it comes with a responsibility for the players and coaching staff to create the conditions that allows the fans to be the very best that they can be. Like I said, it doesn’t just happen.

“Of course, this is only our first game in this season’s Champions League so the tension that comes with the finishing line coming into view in the league phase will not be there just yet. But the reality is that in a competition like this one where the standards are so high, there is risk and there is jeopardy from the very first minute.

“The points that are at stake in game one are just as valuable as the ones that are available in the final round of fixtures. That is why getting off to a positive start is so important, especially as we are starting with a game against a team which has established itself as one of the strongest and most competitive in Europe under Diego Simeone.

“This would be a big game at any stage. It does not need to be a particular round, as all of the ingredients are in place for a proper contest and a big test. Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid means something and I have no doubt this will show on the pitch.”

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