The Carabao Cup clash between Liverpool and Chelsea will see childhood friends Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso go head-to-head.
Alongside Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, both Iraola and Alonso hail from the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. They played together at amateur youth club Antiguoko before embarking on their professional football careers.
Speaking at a press conference, Iraola was asked about his long-standing friendship with Alonso.
“I’ve probably done around 25 interviews about our relationship, but by now, everyone knows about it,” Iraola explained.
“We were close friends who grew up together and played for the same team. We later faced each other at club level and represented our national team together.
“However, now we’re in the same position, and I want to beat him just as much as he wants to beat us. When we’re competing against each other, the friendship takes a back seat, and we stop talking!
“Nevertheless, he’s a very good friend, and I wish him all the best.”
