How are Villarreal these days? They had a good side when we drew them in CL semis a few years back
I think it was the europa league.
Champions League Semi Final 2022
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Iraola poess conference is scheduled for 13:30 BST today:
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I think we faced them in the europa league as well too
We did. They had a player sent off. 
Europa League semi '15-'16, CL semi '21-'22 so 4 matches of which we won 3.
I think Koumas, Munoz and Nyoni should all be in contention. Not for rotation or giving youngsters a go, but because the team is better with them in it.
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Bits from the press conference:
Ronald AraĂșjo speaking first in Spanish and looking happy.
- Playing as a RB: Not a problem as he has played there before and knew it was a possibility when he signed. Does what the manager asks of him but more comfortable as a CB.
- Villarreal? He knows them very well. Great side and players. They have very high possession. We are at Anfield and will have to impose ourselves.
- He believes that we have a great side. Knockout ties are small margins but we can compete on all fronts. Team is moving forward.
- Option to sign? Just enjoying every day at the moment. He and family are happy to be here but too early to discuss future plans.
- Dom is a spectacular player. Important and will be missed but team will adapt.
- How has he found city of Liverpool? People are âintenseâ which is lovely. Very happy in city as is family. Chance to grow as a player.
- Fans taken to him. Does he feel that relationship? Yes, of course. Very grateful to feel loved. He feels appreciated by fans on pitch.
- Is it easier for a defender to adapt to PL? Coming to a club like Liverpool is not easy, but had already experienced that with Barcelona. He knew it was a challenge but had no doubts he would enjoy it and give his best.
- Leadership at club: English studying is coming along. He can brings thing to the club as it is but is leaning English to improve that. Young players have quality.
Iraola speaking very quickly in English:
- Dom and Frimpong back too soon? We need to be patient until Dom injury is fully resolved.
- Wirtz - first player to create 9 chances for 5 years: He has had two very good games. We hope to keep him there.
- 4 successive home games - pressure at home? He prefers to play at home. Games are on a one by one basis.
- Balance between wanting to rotate now or getting results now? He wants to play his best 11 but that will include resting players where needed.
- Villarreal: Special game as he is familiar with players and it is a team he follows.
- How much contact with PĂ©rez: Itâs not good for relationships when playing each other, so have been talking less since draw.
- Had wanted to bring him to UK but it has worked out well for him. Move to Bournemouth had fallen through due to work permit.
- Muñoz has been doing well and has shown he knows what level is required and is adapting well.
- How much has he leant about squad over the last few games? Adversity helps squad to adapt and shows character of players. We need more experiences.
- 10 matches as Liverpool manager: Not much time to think. As soon as one game finishes he is planning for next.
- Memory of scoring against Villarreal: Lovely goal and nice memories as it was last match.
- Difference between Liverpool and Bournemouth: Difficult start but improving.
- AraĂșjo: Was encouraged by playerâs hunger and experience. Everything positive with him.
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just put 6 goals past them, No one will care. The forum will instead moan about the water bottle being either half full or half empty.
On we go.
I reckon 6-1.
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Seems Dom wonât be too long but yeah Frimpong is going be a few weeks.
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Munoz missed training today, Danns in squad for tomorrow
Date in thread title is wrong. I hope you havenât hexed us.
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I remember mistakes in threads used to be the harbinger of good results.
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Sorted
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Looking forward to this. Iâll be watching tomorrow afternoon in these parts. Hard to say what the team will be with rotation and injuries, but hopefully we have a strong enough side out to grab all three points. We are going well in Europe so far, long may it continue.
Yay! Matchday.
Iâve been up working since 04:00 BST. Anyone know where I can get one of these before kick-off time.
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There is a nice piece in todayâs Guardian about Villarreal and the relationship between Iraola and Iñigo PĂ©rez: