Andoni Iraola's Champions League Debut as Liverpool Coach

Andoni Iraola steps into the Champions League tonight for the first time as Liverpool head coach, and he does it under the Anfield lights against a familiar European villain: Atletico Madrid.

The stage is big. The opponent is bruising. And already, there’s a significant twist.

Gakpo ruled out as minor injury confirmed

Cody Gakpo, who had been a doubt after missing training on Tuesday, is not involved at all. What initially looked like a simple precaution has become a confirmed absence, with Iraola revealing the forward has picked up a minor adductor problem in the win at Ipswich Town last Friday.

The 27-year-old has been one of Liverpool’s sharpest starters this season. One goal and three assists in the Premier League, including both assists in that 2-0 victory at Ipswich, had underlined his growing influence after a summer in which he was heavily linked with Manchester City.

Speaking to TNT Sports before kick-off, Iraola explained the call.

“Cody finished the game the other day against Ipswich with some adductor issues. Both sides. Nothing specific. [It is] not a proper injury. But we didn’t want to risk him, and I think it makes sense he can rest and hope we can recover him. If it’s not for the weekend, it’s for the next one. But I think even for the weekend he has a chance.”

So no Gakpo for Atletico. But, if all goes to plan, a realistic shot of having him back for Fulham.

Barcola handed first Liverpool start

If Gakpo’s absence takes something away, Bradley Barcola’s first Liverpool start adds a jolt of intrigue.

The France forward is thrown straight into the Champions League, starting the Reds’ league-phase opener at Anfield. Iraola makes two changes from the side that beat Ipswich: Barcola comes in, and Rio Ngumoha also starts, with Victor Munoz dropping to the bench.

It’s a bold move from a coach who has never shied away from trusting young, aggressive attackers. Against Diego Simeone’s Atletico, a team Liverpool have learned to live with and then learn to beat, that bravery will be tested.

The history between these two clubs has swung dramatically. Liverpool managed just one win in their first six meetings with Atletico from 2008. Since then, they’ve taken control, winning the last three clashes with Simeone’s side. Those nights were emotional, chaotic, and often draining. Tonight promises more of the same.

Injury list still bites

Beyond Gakpo, Iraola’s squad is still carrying scars.

Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from the serious Achilles injury he suffered in April. His return is a distant prospect rather than an immediate boost.

Joe Gomez is closer. The defender, sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in the opening minutes of Liverpool’s first pre-season game, returned to full training on Tuesday. Even so, he has not been named in the squad for this one. Caution, again, with a long season ahead.

Conor Bradley is still out with the knee injury he sustained in January, while Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from a knee problem suffered last September. Neither is yet ready to rejoin the fight.

Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, has not played a single minute this season. He was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad, as was Wataru Endo, leaving Iraola to navigate this European campaign without two experienced options.

So the picture is clear. A new coach, a reshaped squad, key absences, and a heavyweight opponent who knows all about the noise and fury of Anfield.

For Iraola, this is not just a first Champions League game. It’s an early measure of how his Liverpool will look when the stakes rise and the margin for error shrinks.