AFC Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola and Milos Kerkez are predicting a “tough” encounter with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup but were both delighted AFC Bournemouth were handed a home draw.
Head coach Iraola and defender Kerkez gave their reaction after the Cherries were paired with the Reds in the fourth round following their 2-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday.
Jurgen Klopp’s team will head to Vitality Stadium during week commencing 30th October as the fourth round returns to its usual Halloween slot having been pushed back last season due to the World Cup.
Liverpool progressed after coming from behind to see off Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield on Wednesday with Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota on target.
The Reds have won the League Cup a record nine times, their last triumph coming in 2021/22 when the beat Chelsea on penalties.
Iraola said: “It’s a tough one but I’m pleased it’s at home.
“We wouldn’t have chosen Liverpool, for sure, and we will have to give it our best. We have to make them play a good game if they are to come here and win. It’s not an easy draw.”
Liverpool knocked out the Cherries in the quarter-final in 2014/15 – Klopp’s first victory as Reds boss – and in the fourth round the following season.
Kerkez said: “It’s a tough one, of course. But we are at home and it’s always better to play at home than play away, especially at Anfield.
“It’s going to be a tough game but it’s the cup and anything is possible.”
