Iraola cites workload as Liverpool bench Wirtz, Barcola and Isak
Liverpool made six changes for the Champions League meeting with Villarreal, who took an early lead through Georges Mikautadze.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said the need to manage playing time prompted him to leave Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak out of the starting lineup against Villarreal in the Champions League.
Iraola made six changes from the side that faced Brentford in the Premier League. Liverpool then fell 1-0 behind at Anfield when Georges Mikautadze scored in the fourth minute.
Explaining his selections before kickoff, Iraola said Liverpool were playing their fourth match in 10 days and that Wirtz and Barcola had barely missed a minute. Isak's playing time also needed managing, he said, adding that all three were ready to come on after halftime.
Lewis Koumas started in the central attacking role, flanked by Cody Gakpo on the left and Rio Ngumoha on the right. Trey Nyoni was also selected in central midfield.
Liverpool entered the fixture with four wins from their previous five games across all competitions. Their opening two Champions League matches had brought six points: a 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid and a 6-3 win over LASK Linz on October 14.
