Andoni Iraola says it will be a "special game" against his former team-mate and close friend, Inigo Perez, when Liverpool welcome Villarreal to Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday (20.00 BST).

Perez, 38, manages the Spanish side and was Iraola's assistant at Rayo Vallecano in the 2022-23 season. Iraola then tried to bring him to Bournemouth in 2023 but Perez was denied by an unsuccessful work permit application.

"We've known each other since the academy years at Athletic Club, we played with each other in the first team, and as soon as he retired I was quick enough to grab him to help me as an assistant," Iraola said.

"It is not good for relationships when these things (playing each other) happen. I talk to him a lot, but when you know you are going to face each other you stop talking because you kind of leave some distance.

"So, lately, it's probably a moment when we've talked less. We normally call time to time to talk about La Liga, the Premier League, about football, about other stuff, our families, but now when the game gets closer we haven't been in touch."

Perez had to apply to the Home Office for permission to work in England as the United Kingdom had already left the European Union.

That permission was not granted and then in 2024, he became the manager at Rayo Vallecano and led them to the Conference League final last season, eventually losing to Crystal Palace. In the summer, he moved to Villarreal.

Iraola added: "We tried to take him to England, he was here but he couldn't work because he didn't receive the work permit. We tried to do everything to convince, I think there is a panel who decides if you are good enough, but they considered he was not good enough to be an assistant coach.

"I complained in that moment but it has worked very well for him also because he could take Rayo Vallecano, he's done very well and now he is coaching in the Champions League with Villarreal and I am so, so happy for him.

"He knows me very well, he knows everything, but also it is a team I follow, I know the players and it is going to be little bit strange, yes, but in a good way."