Iraola urges 'passive' Liverpool to learn quickly after Forest draw

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called for his team to adapt quickly following a lackluster performance in Saturday’s 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Reds twice recovered from behind to salvage a point, but Iraola admitted they remained too passive in possession and struggled to impose themselves against a disciplined Forest side.

Forest opened the scoring through Taiwo Awoniyi in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to beat Alisson Becker. Liverpool equalized just before half-time when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty after Darwin Núñez was fouled by Anthony Elanga. The visitors reclaimed the lead in the 58th minute through a deflected effort from Ola Aina, but substitute Luis Díaz equalized late on, securing a share of the points.

Iraola, speaking to BBC Sport after the match, said: “We need to learn the lessons. We were passive in the first half and we didn’t control the game.” He praised the team’s resilience in fighting back but stressed the importance of starting matches with more intensity.

Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola, but this draw exposed familiar issues—slow build-up play, a lack of pressing intensity, and vulnerability at set-pieces. Forest, meanwhile, showed tactical discipline under manager Cooper and will feel they deserved more than a point, especially after dominating large spells.

The result keeps Liverpool in the top four, though they trail leaders Arsenal by five points. A trip to Brighton & Hove Albion awaits in their next Premier League fixture, a match that could further define their season under the new coach.

Speaking to reporters, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged defensive lapses but defended the team’s character: “We showed fight and that’s important. But we need to be sharper from the start.”

Iraola’s side continue to adapt to life without Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, with young midfielder Wataru Endo and youngster Stefan Bajcetic featuring prominently in midfield.

The draw leaves Liverpool with 19 points from 12 games, while Nottingham Forest sit 16th with 10 points. Both sides now turn their focus to upcoming cup and league fixtures as the busy festive period approaches.

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