Andoni Iraola opened up about the challenges of implementing a relentless pressing system at Liverpool, noting that some players can handle a match every two or three days without a dip in form, while others struggle and see their performance suffer. He explained that part of his job now is to identify which squad members can sustain such a demanding schedule and which need more recovery time to maintain their standards. "I have to learn who is ready to play every two or three days and who is ready to rest so their performance level doesn't drop," he said, adding that the learning curve is steep because several of his signings have not experienced such a congested fixture list before. The issue became starkly apparent on Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a dull draw by a Fulham side that had lost its opening three league games.
The midweek European clash against Atletico Madrid the previous night seemed to have taken its toll. After the match, Iraola admitted, "A lack of freshness, definitely. We cannot hide it," describing the situation as "the worst turnaround" allowed by Premier League scheduling rules. He warned that such scenarios will repeat throughout the season, sometimes with only a single day between games, sometimes with a slightly longer gap, but always demanding a rapid recovery.
A quick glance at Liverpool's upcoming calendar underscores the intensity of the task ahead. Following the international break, the Reds host Manchester City in a high‑stakes league encounter, then travel to Austria for a Champions League tie against LASK Linz, and within 72 hours find themselves on the road again at Brentford. In October the pattern continues: a home showdown with Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, then an away match at Crystal Palace. November brings a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between fixtures against Manchester United and Everton.
This relentless rhythm is the new reality for any top‑level side, and Iraola must decide how to keep his players fresh while preserving the high‑press ethos that defines his philosophy. During pre‑season, Iraola already hinted that his approach would differ from what Liverpool fans have grown accustomed to under Jurgen Klopp.
He emphasized the need for his squad to press aggressively even when out of possession, a nuance that many of his new signings are still mastering. Alexander Isak, after a friendly against Monaco, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are all working hard to make things work." The first true test of this theory arrived against Fulham.
After a grueling Champions League night in which Liverpool came from behind to win, the team had to immediately switch to a high‑tempo league match that demanded relentless pressure. In the post‑match press conference, Iraola was candid about the shortcomings. He observed that Liverpool were "arriving late to the presses" in the first half, a problem that persisted despite tactical tweaks at halftime.
The club’s traditional split‑team shape—defenders sitting deep while attackers press high—created gaps that Fulham exploited. Players like Josh King found pockets of space, and a misplaced pass from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno allowed them to relieve pressure and launch counter‑attacks, removing several Liverpool forwards from the action.
While the result was disappointing, Iraola made it clear he does not intend to abandon the pressing principle. Statistically, Liverpool’s pressing intensity is evident. Their Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) stands at 8.6, the lowest figure recorded this season and even better than any full campaign under Klopp.
Against Fulham, the PPDA rose slightly, suggesting the team was a touch slower than usual. Nevertheless, Liverpool have logged the most sprints in the Premier League and sit 12 places ahead of the competition in total distance covered, underscoring their physical commitment. To sustain such output, Iraola has begun rotating his attacking options. He has experimented with rotating wingers and midfielders such as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while still relying heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz.
Unfortunately, both struggled to match the intensity they displayed just three days earlier, with Wirtz in particular appearing sloppy with the ball. Critics are growing impatient, questioning whether a player with a high‑profile reputation can be excused for a dip in form. Yet Wirtz remains one of the league’s leaders in high‑speed distance covered, suggesting his work‑rate could compensate for occasional technical lapses. Iraola acknowledges the balancing act required.
"You can put the same players in every game," he conceded, "but the problem is there will be a moment they are very tired and there is more risk of injury." With key forward Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to see another vital attacker, such as Isak, succumb to fatigue or injury. Questions also arise about whether Isak’s style fits a pressing forward’s profile, and whether midfielders like Trey Nyoni or veteran Wataru Endo can provide the necessary stability. Ultimately, Iraola frames the situation as a learning process.
He admits he is navigating uncharted territory, trying to reconcile a high‑pressing identity with a congested schedule that forces three games in a week on several occasions. The real test will be whether he can refine his rotation policy, keep players fresh, and maintain the aggressive, sprint‑laden style that Liverpool supporters crave. As the season progresses, the answers will emerge on the pitch, and the Liverpool faithful will be watching closely to see if Iraola’s pressing game can truly become a sustainable hallmark of the club’s identity.