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Liverpool's Iraola 'lucky' after first taste of Champions League / Photo: © AFP
Liverpool's Iraola 'lucky' after first taste of Champions League
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said it was difficult to ask for more from his Champions League coaching debut after the Reds came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.
Iraola's men got off to a bad start when Marcos Llorente fired the visitors ahead with his fifth goal in three visits to Anfield.
However, Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time and Alexis Mac Allister blasted home the winner in the second half to get Liverpool's Champions League campaign off to a positive start.
"It's difficult to ask for more," said Iraola, who had never previously coached in European football's top competition.
"We've shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start to do the second half they have done.
"I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it."
Liverpool's victory appeared to come at a cost when new signing Bradley Barcola limped off on the hour mark.
Iraola, though, said the £123 million ($167 million) recruit from Paris Saint-Germain had just suffered cramp after his first start of the season.
"It's just cramps, especially with Bradley. We are kind of rushing him a little bit because he hasn't played any minute in pre-season," added Iraola.
"We want him there, but at the end we've decided today, okay, give us whatever you have.
"That's the most he has and let's see how they recover for the next one because we play in three days again."
J.L. de Oliveira--JDB
