Liverpool face a Fulham side currently managed by former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who is taking on just the second managerial role of his career. Arbeloa took charge of Real Madrid back in January, but a silverware-less end to the campaign saw him depart to make way for Jose Mourinho. His spell at Craven Cottage has started in similarly difficult fashion, with Fulham failing to pick up a single point following three consecutive defeats to Chelsea, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace. Despite their poor run of form, Iraola is not underestimating the challenge.
Addressing the pressure mounting on his opposite number, Iraola remained cautious. ‘We have played just three Premier League games and to make big conclusions about any team, I think it’s too early, and I think Fulham is a great example,’ the Liverpool boss remarked. ‘I think they have played well in the three games, honestly. They’ve lost the three games by one goal. I think if you see a lot of the stats they have and you don’t know the points they have, you will think they have five points at least because they’ve been controlling the games.’