Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy presents for a squad that is now competing on multiple fronts. He noted that some athletes can handle a match every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and see a clear decline in their output.
"I need to identify who can sustain that intensity and who needs a breather to keep their level steady," he said, adding that the learning curve is steep for players who have not been accustomed to such a congested schedule. The issue became evident on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a lacklustre draw by Fulham, a side that had lost its first three league games.
The midweek triumph over Atletico Madrid in the Europa League appeared to have taken its toll. After the match, Iraola admitted, "There is a clear lack of freshness – we cannot pretend otherwise." He described the situation as the "worst turnaround" allowed under Premier League fixture rules, but also stressed that Liverpool must adapt quickly. Looking ahead, the calendar offers little respite. Following the international break, Liverpool host Manchester City on October 11, travel to Austria for a Champions League tie against LASK Linz on October 14, and then face Brentford away on October 17 – three games in just under a week.
The pattern repeats in November with a heavyweight clash against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and a subsequent away match at Crystal Palace. Later still, a visit to Club Brugge is sandwiched between fixtures with Manchester United and Everton. Such a relentless rhythm is typical for a club competing at the highest level, and it places a premium on squad rotation and stamina.
Iraola’s biggest unknown has always been how his players will respond to a high‑press system that demands relentless movement, especially when they are not in possession. He explained during pre‑season that he is asking his men to perform tasks that differ from the style they are used to, particularly the off‑the‑ball pressing. Alexander Isak, after a friendly against Monaco, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are all working hard to make it work." The Fulham game served as the first true test of the clash between a demanding Champions League night and a quick‑turnaround Premier League fixture. Liverpool had to recover from a deficit to win in Europe, then immediately needed to impose a high tempo against Fulham.
Iraola was quick to point out that the team was late to the presses in the first half, a problem that persisted despite tactical tweaks at halftime. The typical split‑team pattern – a compact defence paired with an aggressive press from the attackers – was evident, but gaps appeared when players such as Josh King found space between the lines, allowing Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno to distribute the ball comfortably and relieve pressure.
Statistically, Liverpool’s Pressures Per Defensive Action (PPDA) sits at an impressive 8.6, the lowest figure recorded so far this season and even lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp. Against Fulham, the PPDA rose slightly, suggesting the team was a touch slower than usual.
Nevertheless, Liverpool currently leads the league in total sprints and ranks 12 places higher than any other side in overall distance covered, underscoring the physical demands of Iraola’s approach. To manage this workload, Iraola has begun to rotate his wide players, giving minutes to Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while still relying heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz.
Both wingers featured again against Fulham, but neither matched the intensity displayed three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, appeared tentative with the ball, prompting some fans to question whether his reputation justifies continued leniency. Yet his work‑rate remains noteworthy; he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, suggesting he could be one of the players capable of handling a three‑day turnaround.
Iraola conceded that "you can field the same players every game, but fatigue will eventually set in and the injury risk rises." With Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose a key forward like Isak to exhaustion or injury. Questions arise about whether the Swedish striker fits the mould of a natural pressing forward, and similar doubts linger over certain midfielders. The coaching staff may need to lean on experienced figures such as Wataru Endo or consider giving younger talent like Trey Nyoni more responsibility. Overall, Iraola acknowledges that this is a learning process for both him and his squad.
The challenge of navigating three matches in a week has always loomed large for a manager known for his tactical acumen, and the early signs suggest that finding the right balance between intensity and recovery will be pivotal. As the season progresses, Liverpool’s ability to sustain a high‑press while mitigating fatigue will likely determine whether Iraola’s philosophy can truly flourish at Anfield.