ANDONI Iraola believes Cherries were “really close” to knocking Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup, insisting: “They had to push really hard to beat us.”

Cherries fought hard against the in-form Reds in stormy conditions at Vitality Stadium, Justin Kluivert equalising a Cody Gakpo opener.

But a superb strike from substitute Darwin Nunez sealed a 2-1 victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who progress into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Reflecting on his side’s performance, Cherries head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think we were really close. It looked in one moment, especially in the second half, the game was going in our side.

“We had the advantage of the wind in the second half.

“We were struggling in the first half, it was really difficult with the wind.

“We couldn’t kick it long and both teams were struggling to build up.

“At that moment we were putting on a lot of pressure and it looked like we could have scored a second one and win the game.

“But at the end they made the difference with Darwin’s goal. I think it was an amazing strike and probably when they were in their worst moment of the game, it gave them the winning goal.”

Asked if his players can take confidence from the amount of opportunities they created against a side who have lost just once all season, Iraola added: “I think the performance was really good. I think we had a lot of chances, considering who we were facing.

“We were even improving during the game. I think the game was going in our side, but it is true that in this competition at the end the most important thing is to be in the next round.

“We had a big, big chance to be in the last eight. Also some big teams are out. But we knew from the moment of the draw it was not going to be easy.

“They also finished the game with all their starting XI, or almost all on the offensive side.

“They have changed it and I think they had to push really hard to beat us.”