Andoni Iraola, head coach of Liverpool, has described the prospect of facing his former club Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals as a "special" occasion — acknowledging it was the one draw he had hoped to avoid.

The two clubs were paired together following the quarterfinal draw, setting up a reunion between Iraola and the south-coast side he managed before taking charge at Anfield.

Despite the personal significance of the tie, Iraola made clear he is fully focused on the challenge ahead, with Liverpool aiming to push deep into the competition this season.