The key facts

  • Iraola and Perez met at the Athletic academy and played together in the first team
  • Perez was Iraola's assistant at Rayo Vallecano but did not receive a British work visa to move to Bournemouth
  • Ahead of the match the friends have barely communicated to keep their distance

A special match for Iraola

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said at the pre-match press conference at Anfield that Tuesday's Champions League match against Villarreal will be 'special' for him, as the Spanish club is led by his longtime friend Inigo Perez. 'It is a privilege for me to face him in a Champions League game. He knows me very well, he knows everything. It is a team I follow, I know the players, and it will be a bit strange, but in a good way,' said the 44-year-old coach.

Friendship from the Athletic academy

Iraola and Perez met back at the Athletic Bilbao academy, where both began as young players and then played together for the first team. When Perez ended his career, Iraola invited him to be his assistant at Madrid's Rayo Vallecano. 'We have been through a lot together,' noted the Liverpool coach.

Silence before the game

Iraola admitted that ahead of the head-to-head meeting their communication had practically stopped. 'When such things happen, it is not good for the relationship. I talk to him a lot, but when you know you are about to play against each other, you stop communicating, you keep your distance,' he explained. According to him, they usually call each other to discuss La Liga, the Premier League, football, other topics and their families, but recently, with the match approaching, they have barely been in touch.

Failed attempt to bring Perez to England

Iraola is in his first season at Liverpool, having come from Bournemouth. At the English club he tried to invite Perez to join him, but the British authorities refused him a work visa. 'We tried to bring him to England, he was here but could not work. We did everything to convince the commission. I complained at the time because I arrived with only two assistants,' Iraola said, adding that he is now happy for his friend: 'Now he is coaching in the Champions League with Villarreal, and I am so, so happy for him.'