Liverpool will look to return to winning ways when they face LASK in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with the Reds aiming to respond to their defeat against Manchester City.
They travel to Austria for their second league-phase fixture after beating Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield in their Champions League opener.
However, Liverpool will need to manage a demanding run of fixtures and several injury concerns as they look to secure another three points at Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
Liverpool target Champions League response
Liverpool suffered a disappointing defeat to Man City on the weekend, but Milos Kerkez believes the team can take positives from their performance before turning their attention towards Europe.
“We competed really well for 60 minutes,” Kerkez said in the Liverpool press conference, reflecting on the defeat.
“Of course, at the end of the day, the results matter always,” he added, acknowledging that Liverpool must improve their results despite encouraging spells of play.
The defender stressed that Liverpool must move forward quickly, with Wednesday’s fixture providing an immediate opportunity to respond.
“Tomorrow is a new opportunity and we have to give everything,” Kerkez concluded.
Iraola warns against underestimating LASK
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has emphasised the importance of building momentum early in the competition, warning that dropping points can make the league phase more difficult.
“We want to continue with a win, in this case away, because winning in this competition is very expensive,” Iraola said during his press conference on Tuesday.
“So, we want to take the points that we need early, because otherwise you put yourself in trouble.”
Despite Liverpool being favourites on paper, Iraola warned that their Austrian opponents should not be underestimated, particularly given their performances on home soil.
“They are normally dominant, they spend a lot of time on the ball,” he added.
The head coach also pointed to Celtic’s heavy defeat in Austria earlier in the season as a reminder of the challenge Liverpool could face.
“We have this season the precedent of Celtic losing here 5-1 in extra-time,” Iraola stated.
“We have to respect them.”
Gakpo, Isak, Szoboszlai remain sidelined
Liverpool travelled to Austria with a 23-man squad, but Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Dominik Szoboszlai remain unavailable after fitness problems sustained during international duty.
The trio also missed the defeat to Man City, with Iraola indicating that their returns are uncertain.
“They are not far, but it’s difficult to tell you right now,” the Liverpool boss noted, confirming that none of the three had trained with the group.
Liverpool will also be without long-term absentees Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni.
Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are ineligible for the fixture because they were not included in the club’s Champions League league-phase squad.
With Liverpool facing a congested schedule, Iraola admitted that changes to his starting XI are likely.
“Sometimes because of freshness reasons, because of some niggles, I think it’s going to be difficult to put exactly the same starting XI tomorrow,” he admitted.
Tough schedule demands squad rotation
Wednesday’s match is part of a demanding run in which Liverpool are scheduled to play nine fixtures across 28 days.
An away trip to Brentford follows on Saturday before Villarreal visit Anfield for the next Champions League match.
Iraola highlighted the importance of recovery, explaining that the coaching staff must prioritise keeping players fresh rather than rely on lengthy training sessions.
Liverpool will therefore need to balance their European ambitions with the physical demands of domestic competition.
The depth of the squad could prove particularly important if the injured players are unable to return in the coming weeks.
Kerkez backs aggressive Liverpool approach
Kerkez believes Liverpool are moving in the right direction under Iraola, highlighting the team’s more aggressive and forward-thinking style of play.
“We’re running a lot and playing more aggressive and more front-footed,” he said.
“All the players are buying into his philosophy.”
The defender added that Liverpool still have room to improve but believes the squad is progressing positively under the new head coach.
Kerkez, who previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, also explained that their familiarity has helped him settle into the manager’s system.
The full-back acknowledged that Liverpool’s tactical demands can change depending on the opposition, with Iraola providing specific instructions for each fixture.
Hungarian highlights Barcola’s attacking potential
Kerkez likewise discussed his developing relationship with Bradley Barcola, explaining that the forward’s attacking quality could help Liverpool improve their combinations down the left flank.
“He’s a real talent and has shown it at PSG,” Kerkez explained.
“He can help us a lot with scoring goals and going forward.”
The defender believes communication will be crucial as the pair continue to build their understanding, both on and off the pitch.
Liverpool will hope that their attacking options can make the difference against a LASK side that has demonstrated its ability to trouble stronger opponents.
What to expect from LASK
LASK sit third in the Austrian Bundesliga under head coach Dietmar Kühbauer, having lost 2-0 to league leaders Rapid Wien last weekend.
They also suffered a 1-0 defeat away to AEK Athens in their Champions League opener but secured their place in the competition with an impressive comeback against Celtic in the qualifying play-offs.
After losing the first leg 3-0, LASK overturned the deficit to win the tie 5-4 on aggregate.
The Austrian side will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage as they pursue their first points of the league phase.
Forward Christoph Lang is one player Liverpool will need to monitor, having recorded 12 goal involvements in 13 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 24-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided two assists, while attacker Samuel Adeniran poses a similar threat after playing a key role in LASK’s comeback against Celtic.
LASK carry strong home record
Despite their difficult start to the league phase, LASK have a strong recent home record in European competition, having lost only two of their previous 16 home European matches.
However, the hosts have their own injury concerns, with George Bello and Moses Usor potentially unavailable after being forced off against Rapid Wien.
Ramiz Harakate is also sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in July.
Liverpool will need to maintain their concentration and defensive organisation if they are to prevent the hosts from exploiting their home advantage.
Iraola believes the quality of LASK’s performances means Liverpool cannot afford to approach the game complacently.
“Obviously, we want to come here and win,” he told the media.
“I assume that probably we are the favourites but you have to come here, do the job and play well, because otherwise away games in the Champions League are never easy.”
Liverpool prepare for familiar surroundings
Wednesday’s match will not be Liverpool’s first visit to Raiffeisen Arena, with the clubs having met in the 2023-24 Europa League group stage.
Liverpool won 3-1 away from home after conceding an early goal, with Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah finding the net.
The Reds then completed a comfortable 4-0 victory in the return fixture at Anfield, with Gakpo scoring twice.
Although the previous meetings offer encouragement, LASK’s recent home performances suggest Liverpool cannot afford to rely on history.
Liverpool completed their preparations in Linz on Tuesday, training at Raiffeisen Arena shortly after arriving in Austria.
The Reds will wear their Adidas away kit for the fixture, which kicks off at 5:45pm BST on Wednesday.
Match officials confirmed for fixture
German referee Tobias Stieler will take charge of the match, assisted by Lasse Koslowski and Jonas Weickenmeier, with Matthias Jöllenbeck serving as fourth official.
Tomasz Kwiatkowski will oversee VAR assisted by Lukas Fähndrich.
Liverpool will hope the occasion brings a more convincing performance than their recent domestic outing as they look to maintain their positive start to the Champions League campaign.
A victory would strengthen their position in the league phase and provide a timely response to their defeat against Man City before attention turns back to the Premier League.
Liverpool aim to take control
Liverpool’s immediate objective is clear: secure a second consecutive Champions League victory and avoid allowing a domestic setback to disrupt their European campaign.
With injuries, rotation and a demanding schedule adding to the challenge, the Reds will need a disciplined performance to overcome LASK.
Iraola has acknowledged that away fixtures in the competition are rarely straightforward, regardless of the opposition’s standing.
Liverpool must now turn their preparations into a strong performance on the pitch, with three points in Austria offering an opportunity to build momentum for the fixtures ahead.
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