Iraola calls facing friend Perez in UCL a 'privilege'

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has described Tuesday's Champions League home match against Villarreal as a special occasion, with opposing coach Inigo Perez one of his closest friends in football.

The two men met during their youth academy years at Athletic Club in Bilbao, played together in the first team and have remained close ever since. Iraola was quick to appoint Perez as his assistant at Rayo Vallecano in 2022.

"For me it's a special game because Inigo is my friend," Iraola said at his pre-match press conference on Monday. "We've known each other since the academy years at Athletic Club, we played with each other in the first team, and as soon as he retired I was quick enough to grab him to help me as an assistant."

"We've been through a lot of things together, so it is also a privilege for me to face him in a Champions League game."

Iraola also attempted to bring Perez to AFC Bournemouth in 2023, but a failed work permit application blocked the move. The setback ultimately opened the door for Perez to take charge of Rayo Vallecano independently, a path that has since led him to a Champions League role with Villarreal.

"I complained in that moment because I was coming with just two guys," Iraola said. "But it has worked very well for him also because he could take Rayo Vallecano, he's done very well and now he is coaching in the Champions League with Villarreal and I am so, so happy for him."

On the personal dynamic ahead of Tuesday's game, Iraola noted that contact between the two had tailed off as the match approached. "I talk to him a lot, but when you know you are going to face each other you stop talking because you kind of leave some distance."

Liverpool head into the Anfield fixture having won their two previous Champions League league-phase games this season.