Iraola Praises Liverpool Youngsters After Penalty Shootout Win Over Chelsea

By African360 Sports

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has praised his young players after the Reds defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The fourth-round encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, October 28, ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scoring from the penalty spot before Liverpool prevailed in a tense shootout.

Iraola made several changes to his starting line-up, giving opportunities to academy talents Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas.

The Liverpool manager was pleased with their contribution and expressed confidence in their ability to compete at senior level.

“They were very good against Spurs in the first round and they are very good players. We are confident and they have shown they are at a very good level. They helped us,” Iraola said after the match.

Liverpool survive Chelsea challenge

Chelsea took the lead in the 40th minute when Rogers converted a penalty. Liverpool responded almost immediately, with Gakpo levelling from the spot three minutes later.

Neither side managed to find a winner during the second half, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.

The contest remained tense as both teams missed opportunities to secure victory. Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made an important save against Chelsea debutant Emmanuel Emegha, while Wesley Fofana subsequently sent his penalty over the crossbar.

Joe Gomez converted the decisive kick to give Liverpool a 6-5 shootout victory and send the home supporters into celebration.

Iraola looks ahead to Bournemouth reunion

Liverpool will face Bournemouth in the quarter-finals, setting up a reunion with Iraola’s former club. The Spaniard left Bournemouth after leading them to European qualification before taking charge at Anfield in the summer of 2026.

Reflecting on the victory, Iraola also highlighted the importance of improving Liverpool’s home form.

“Three at home in a row is very important. We were struggling at home in the league but now we go against Arsenal on Sunday,” he said.

Liverpool’s progress in the competition gives the manager another opportunity to assess his younger players as the club continues its campaign across multiple competitions.

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