Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing system presents in the Premier League. He noted that some players can handle a match every two or three days without any noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and may see a decline in performance when the schedule tightens. "We have to identify who can sustain a three‑day rhythm and who needs more recovery time," he said, adding that the squad is still learning how to manage these differing needs, especially for those who have not been accustomed to such a congested fixture list.

The issue came to the fore on Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a lacklustre draw by a Fulham side that had already lost its first three league games. The mid‑week Europa League tie against Atletico Madrid in Spain appeared to have taken its toll. After the match, Iraola admitted that the team suffered from a clear lack of freshness, describing the situation as "the worst turnaround" allowed under Premier League scheduling rules.

He warned that such tight turnarounds will become a regular feature of the season, sometimes giving the squad only a single day to recover between games. A quick glance at Liverpool's upcoming calendar underscores the intensity of the schedule.

Following the international break, the Reds host Manchester City on October 11, travel to Austria for a Champions League clash with LASK Linz on October 14, and then head to Brentford for an away league match on October 17—all within a ten‑day span. October continues with a high‑stakes home game against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and another league outing at Crystal Palace. November brings a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between fixtures against Manchester United and Everton.

This relentless rhythm is the reality for any top‑level side, and it tests Iraola's philosophy of a high‑intensity, hard‑working press. Iraola has repeatedly emphasized that his approach demands players to press aggressively, even when they are out of possession. He believes this intensity is essential for his style, and he has asked his squad to adapt to these new expectations. Alexander Isak, after a preseason friendly against Monaco, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are all working hard to make things work." The Fulham game was the first genuine test of how the team would cope when the demands of a Champions League night were followed by a domestic match that required sustained pressing.

In the post‑match press conference, Iraola pinpointed the main problem: the team was late to initiate presses, particularly in the first half. Although tactical adjustments were made at halftime, the issue persisted. Liverpool's defensive shape often split, with the back line dropping while the forwards pressed high, creating gaps that Fulham exploited.

At times, players like Josh King found surprising space between the lines, and Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno was able to distribute the ball easily, removing Liverpool attackers from the equation. Statistically, Liverpool's pressing intensity is measured by Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA).

So far this season, Liverpool's PPDA sits at 8.6, a figure lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp, indicating a very aggressive press. Against Fulham, the PPDA rose slightly, suggesting the team was not as crisp as usual. Nevertheless, Liverpool leads the league in total sprints and ranks 12th in overall distance covered, confirming that the players are indeed running more, sprinting more, and pressing more than most rivals.

These physical metrics are part of the reason Iraola was hired: the club wanted to return to a brand of football built on relentless energy. The challenge now is to sustain that energy across every fixture without compromising effectiveness or increasing injury risk.

To manage fatigue, Iraola has begun rotating certain positions. He has experimented with rotating the wingers and giving minutes to midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

However, key players such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz were also asked to start against Fulham, and they did not match the intensity they displayed three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, appeared sloppy with the ball, drawing criticism from supporters who feel the player should not be excused simply because of his reputation. Yet his work rate remains impressive; he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered.

This could make him a candidate for Iraola's "every‑three‑days" list, as the coach suggested that the same players could be used in every game, provided they are not pushed to the point of exhaustion and injury. Injury concerns are amplified by the absence of Hugo Ekitike, meaning Liverpool cannot afford to lose another key forward like Isak to fatigue.

Questions also arise about whether Isak fits the mold of a natural pressing striker, and whether midfielders such as Trey Nyoni or the experienced Wataru Endo might be better suited to the high‑press demands. Overall, Iraola acknowledges that this is a learning curve for both himself and the squad. Navigating three games in a week has always been the biggest question mark for a coach known for his tactical acumen.

The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can adapt to Iraola's high‑press philosophy while maintaining the stamina and consistency required to compete on multiple fronts. The club's ability to rotate intelligently, manage player workloads, and keep the press sharp will determine if Iraola's pressing game can truly flourish at Liverpool.