Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has warned his players they cannot afford to switch off against top opposition after coming from behind to beat Villarreal in the Champions League.
The Reds recovered from a difficult first half to secure the win at Anfield, but Iraola was frustrated by his side’s defensive mistakes and admitted they have been conceding too many goals this season.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, the Liverpool boss praised his team’s response while insisting there is still plenty to improve.
“A lot of things happened today. They were much better than us in the first half and we were much better in the second half,” Iraola said.
“When we’ve been under pressure, we answered well. When we relaxed, we made mistakes. You cannot relax against very good opposition. I value the win.
“We have to know that if we don’t go to the limit, it will be difficult. We are facing very good teams. It’s good to come back but we’ve started losing too many goals this season.”
Iraola praises Rio Ngumoha’s development
One positive for Liverpool was the performance of 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who continues to earn opportunities under Iraola and registered two assists on Tuesday night.
The manager believes the youngster is becoming a more rounded player, particularly after adapting to a role on the right flank.
“I am really happy wth Rio. He is trying to improve everything that we try to correct,” Iraola said.
“He is playing a lot more on the right and he has adapted really well. He’s going more inside. He struggled defensively in the first half, second half was much better. He’s becoming a more complete oayer. He’s still only 18.”
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