Silverware is the ultimate aim - Iraola

Xabi Alonso's record as a manager against Liverpool is played two and lost two.

The former Liverpool midfielder, who managed with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and Real Madrid in 2025, returns to Anfield on Wednesday, but this time as the Chelsea manager in the Carabao Cup.

And he will come up against a Liverpool side that has won their last four games in all competitions and are settling in well under Andoni Iraola.

Iraola described Alonso as a "close friend" on Tuesday. The pair grew up together in the Basque region of Spain, playing in the same team and against each other.

In their debut campaigns at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot both reached the final of the Carabao Cup.

Both of the previous two Liverpool managers lost in the final but Iraola is aware that silverware is ultimately an aim when you are the Liverpool boss.

This competition might not be the highest priority and changes to the lineup are expected on Wednesday evening but deep down, Iraola will know that a good cup run can only add to the sense of optimism around Liverpool right now.

"There will definitely be changes, but we want to win the game. We want to be competitive," said Iraola.

"Every competition is an opportunity, especially when you are the coach of Liverpool. You have to take it like this.

"I would love to win and have the chance to go further in the competition, but I know we will have to play well and beat a very good team."