Iraola hails Liverpool’s energy as cup win propels Reds forward

Liverpool Andoni Iraola's side secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter‑finals after a 3‑1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Tuesday night, moving the Reds past the Spurs in the third round and keeping their cup hopes alive.

The Reds have had a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign, but the cup win shows progress under Iraola.

Liverpool overcame nervy moments to be clinical in attack, netting three goals. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring, followed by Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai to seal the 3‑1 result.

Iraola said the main positive was the team's energy. “I am pleased. I think there have been different phases in the game but overall I liked the energy. We scored but I am happy because we are in the next round,” he told BBC 5 Live.

Iraola’s emphasis on high‑pressing energy was evident. He noted that after going 2‑0 Spurs had to take risks, yet Liverpool defended well despite set‑piece pressure. He compared the Spurs to De Zerbi’s side, saying they are still miles off.

Iraola praised Szoboszlai’s finishing. “I think the thing with Dom is when he shoots he has a chance to score. With him you believe because he has done it before. He is a great finisher.”

He also singled out Andy Robertson for his contribution. “I think he deserves all this and I was happy. I was thinking he honestly deserves this because he has given so much to Liverpool.”

Looking ahead to the quarter‑final

Liverpool travel to Bournemouth next weekend, aware of the difficulty of the venue. Iraola admitted the game will be tough and that winning there requires a high level of performance.