Andoni Iraola opened the post‑match interview by noting that some players can cope with a game every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable to fatigue and see their performances suffer. He explained that part of his job is to identify which squad members can handle a tight schedule and which need a longer recovery period to maintain their standards. "I have a hypothesis about a few of them, but for many it’s new territory because they haven’t been asked to play as many matches in such a short span," he said. The manager’s observations were put to the test on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool drew 0‑0 with Fulham, a side that had lost its opening three league fixtures.
The mid‑week Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in Europe clearly took its toll. After the match, Iraola was blunt: "We lacked freshness, it was obvious.
We can’t hide that." He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" allowed by Premier League scheduling rules and warned that Liverpool will have to adapt quickly. He added that such congested periods are likely to become a regular feature of the season, sometimes with only a single day between games.
A quick glance at the upcoming calendar underlines the challenge. Following the international break, Liverpool host Manchester City – a demanding fixture – then travel to Austria for a Champions League tie with LASK Linz, and within 72 hours are back on the road at Brentford. The October schedule reads: - 11 Oct – Manchester City (home) - 14 Oct – LASK Linz (away) - 17 Oct – Brentford (away) The next month brings a heavyweight home game against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and an away match at Crystal Palace. November is equally packed, with a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between clashes with Manchester United and Everton.
This relentless rhythm is the reality for any top‑flight club, and Iraola’s biggest unknown has always been how his squad will respond to the physical demands of his high‑pressing philosophy while still delivering quality football. In pre‑season, Iraola emphasized that he is asking his players to adopt slightly different behaviours, especially when out of possession. He believes they are beginning to understand the nuances. After a friendly against Monaco, striker Alexander Isak echoed the sentiment: "We are all working hard to make it work." The Fulham game was the first true test of the theory when the two worlds collided – a taxing Champions League night that saw Liverpool come from behind to win, followed by a domestic match that required sustained pressure.
Iraola’s analysis after the Fulham draw was candid. He pointed out that Liverpool were late to the first press in the opening half, a problem that persisted despite tactical adjustments at halftime.
The team’s tendency to split – with the back line dropping back while the forwards press high – created gaps that Fulham’s Josh King and others exploited, giving them surprising amounts of space. When Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno found an easy outlet, several Liverpool attackers were left out of the play, a scenario far from ideal. Nevertheless, Iraola is unlikely to abandon the pressing ethos, believing that the long‑term benefits outweigh occasional lapses.
Statistically, Liverpool’s Pressing‑Per‑Defensive‑Action (PPDA) sits at an impressive 8.6 this season, even lower than any full campaign under Jürgen Klopp. Although the figure rose slightly against Fulham – perhaps reflecting a temporary dip in intensity – Liverpool still lead the league in total sprints and rank 12th for overall distance covered. They are running more, sprinting more, and pressing more than any other side, which is precisely why Iraola was appointed: to restore a brand of football built on relentless energy.
To keep the intensity sustainable, Iraola has begun rotating his wide players, including Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. However, he also persisted with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in the Fulham fixture, and both fell short of the levels they displayed just three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, appeared sloppy with the ball, prompting some fans to question whether his reputation can excuse the performance. Yet his work‑rate remains a strong point – he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered – and Iraola may view him as a candidate for the “every‑three‑days” rotation.
Iraola admitted that relying on the same eleven each week is risky: "You can field the same players every game, but eventually they will tire and the injury risk rises." With key striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose a player like Isak to fatigue. Questions arise about whether the Swedish forward is naturally suited to a pressing system, and similar doubts linger over some midfield options. Will emerging talent Trey Nyoni earn a regular role? Can veteran Wataru Endo provide the necessary balance?
Ultimately, Iraola acknowledges that this is a learning curve in uncharted territory. The central dilemma – how to manage three matches in a single week without compromising performance or player health – has always been the biggest test for a coach of his calibre.
The coming weeks will reveal whether his high‑press blueprint can be sustained across a congested schedule, and whether Liverpool can maintain their aggressive identity without sacrificing results. The answer will shape not only Iraola’s tenure but also the future tactical direction of one of England’s most storied clubs.