Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy presents for a squad that must juggle domestic and European commitments. He noted that some athletes can comfortably feature every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and see their output suffer when the calendar gets congested. "I have to learn who can handle a game every two or three days and who needs a rest to keep their level steady," he said, adding that the process is still in its infancy for several members of his group, many of whom have not been accustomed to such a relentless schedule. The reality of these concerns became starkly apparent on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a lacklustre draw by Fulham – a side that had already lost its first three league fixtures.
The mid‑week Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid the previous night seemed to leave a tangible mark on the Reds. After the match, Iraola did not mince words: "There was a clear lack of freshness, we cannot hide that," he declared.
He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" permitted under Premier League scheduling rules, but also stressed that Liverpool must adapt quickly if they are to thrive in such a demanding environment. Looking ahead, the fixture list underscores the intensity of the task.
Following the international break, Liverpool host Manchester City – a game that will test both stamina and tactical discipline – before jetting to Austria for a Champions League tie with LASK Linz. Within 72 hours they are expected to travel to Brentford for an away Premier League encounter. The sequence continues in October with a home showdown against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and then a trip to Crystal Palace.
November adds a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between matches against Manchester United and Everton. Such a packed calendar is typical for a club competing on multiple fronts, yet it magnifies the question of how many high‑pressing minutes the squad can sustain without compromising performance or risking injuries. Iraola’s philosophy hinges on a high‑intensity, hard‑running style that demands all players to press aggressively, especially when out of possession.
He admitted in pre‑season that he was asking his players to adopt behaviours that were “a little bit different,” and that they were still learning to execute them consistently. Alexander Isak echoed this sentiment after a friendly against Monaco, saying, "We are all working hard to make things work." The Fulham match, however, was the first true test of those ideas under competitive pressure.
After a draining Champions League night that saw Liverpool come from behind to win, the team had to switch gears and dictate a fast tempo against a side that was already struggling. Iraola’s post‑match analysis was precise. He highlighted that Liverpool were "arriving late to the presses" in the first half, a problem that persisted despite tactical tweaks at halftime.
The Reds have traditionally displayed a split‑team shape – a compact defence that retreats while the front line presses high. Against Fulham, this left gaps that allowed players like Josh King to find surprising pockets of space.
When Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno managed to distribute the ball cleanly, several Liverpool attackers were caught out of position, underscoring the risk inherent in an aggressive press when players are not fully recovered. Statistically, Liverpool’s pressing intensity is reflected in their Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) figure, which sits at an impressive 8.6 – the lowest recorded so far this season and even better than any full season under Jürgen Klopp. The number rose slightly against Fulham, hinting that the squad’s tempo was marginally subdued. Nonetheless, Liverpool lead the league in total sprints and rank 12th for overall distance covered, confirming that the physical output remains high.
To manage the workload, Iraola has begun rotating personnel. He has experimented with alternating wingers and giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes, while still relying heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz.
The latter struggled against Fulham, displaying sloppy ball control that frustrated some supporters who feel the player’s reputation should translate into consistent performances. Yet Wirtz’s work‑rate cannot be ignored – he is second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, suggesting he could be one of the players capable of handling three‑day turnarounds. Iraola conceded that fielding the same eleven every game is unrealistic: "The problem is there will be a moment they are very tired and there is more risk of injury." With key attackers like Hugo Ekitike unavailable, Liverpool cannot afford to lose players like Isak to fatigue or injury, especially if his natural game does not align perfectly with a pressing system.
Similar doubts arise for midfielders such as Trey Nyoni and veteran Wataru Endo, whose experience could be vital in balancing intensity with recovery. In summary, Iraola’s tenure at Liverpool is still in its learning phase. The pressing blueprint he wishes to install is already producing measurable results – more sprints, higher pressing stats, and an aggressive style that excites fans.
The real test now is consistency: can the squad maintain this intensity week after week without succumbing to fatigue or injury? The upcoming schedule, with its cluster of high‑stakes fixtures, will serve as the ultimate laboratory for Iraola’s ideas. As he continues to identify which players can thrive on a three‑day rotation and which need more rest, Liverpool’s ability to adapt will determine whether the high‑press becomes a sustainable hallmark of the club’s identity or a fleeting experiment.