Andoni Iraola has admitted his Liverpool side need to find a cutting edge, starting with Wednesday night's Champions League trip to Fenerbahce. The Reds have scored just 11 goals in nine Premier League games so far, with only Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai registering alongside top scorer Alexander Isak, who has six.
Champions League contrast
The Champions League has been markedly different for Liverpool, however, with the six-time winners scoring 12 in their first three fixtures in victories over Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal. Liverpool are hosted by Dirk Kuyt's Fenerbahce on Wednesday night, and another victory would leave them well positioned to secure a third successive top-eight finish in the group stage of the competition.
Iraola's assessment
Speaking in Istanbul on Wednesday, Iraola admitted his side must start improving in front of goal more generally after analysing Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal, which was the first time the side didn't have a shot on target at Anfield in 442 games.
"It is difficult when you lose but honestly I am happy with a lot of things from the other day," Iraola said. "I liked a lot of things but we still need to improve, especially attacking the box."
"A lot of times we were there with the numbers but not making the proper runs and waiting for second balls. We put Arsenal under pressure and they defended well but liked a lot of things."
"I think we have had better results in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. It's very early in the season to establish comparisons."
"We want to continue the run we are having in the Champions League and this is a good chance to get to 12 points and try to qualify and try to finish in the top eight. But Champions League away days are difficult and we know this, especially in this stadium and atmosphere. We have to be mentally very ready."
