Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges of implementing a relentless pressing system at Liverpool. He noted that some players can handle a three‑day turnaround without any drop in form, while others are more vulnerable and may see their performances suffer. "I need to identify who can cope with games every two or three days and who needs a rest to keep their level up," he said, adding that he is still learning which squad members fit each profile, especially those who have not yet experienced such a congested schedule.
The issue became evident on Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool drew 0‑0 with a Fulham side that had already lost its first three league matches. The mid‑week Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in Europe seemed to have left the Reds fatigued. After the game, Iraola admitted, "There is a clear lack of freshness – we cannot hide that." He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" allowed by Premier League rules, but also recognised that Liverpool will have to adapt quickly. Looking ahead, the calendar offers little relief.
After 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 matches in a span of just six days. The following month brings a heavyweight home game against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and an away fixture at Crystal Palace. By November, the schedule includes a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between encounters with Manchester United and Everton. Such a relentless rhythm is typical for a top‑level club, but it tests the stamina and mental resilience of any squad.
Iraola’s philosophy hinges on a high‑intensity, hard‑running style that demands constant pressure when the team is out of possession. He explained in pre‑season, "I ask the players to do things that are a little different, especially without the ball, and I think they are starting to understand it." Alexander Isak echoed this sentiment after a friendly with Monaco, saying, "We are all working hard to make it work." The Fulham match was the first real test of how the two worlds – a demanding Champions League night followed by a domestic fixture – would collide. Liverpool had to come from behind to win in Europe, then were expected to dictate the tempo against a motivated Fulham side.
Iraola observed in the post‑match press conference that the team was "late to the presses" in the first half, and although tactical tweaks were made at halftime, the problem persisted. A recurring tactical pattern for Liverpool has been a split‑team shape: the defence sits deep while the attackers press high. Against Fulham, this created gaps that allowed players like Josh King to find space and threaten.
When the press failed, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno could easily distribute the ball, removing several Liverpool forwards from the action – a scenario Iraola is unlikely to tolerate in the long term. Statistically, Liverpool’s Pressing‑Points‑During‑Actions (PPDA) sits at 8.6 this season, a figure that is already lower than any full season under Jurgen Klopp. The number rose slightly against Fulham, suggesting the team was a touch slower than usual, but the Reds still lead the league in total sprints and rank 12th in distance covered. They are running more, sprinting more, and pressing more – the very reasons Iraola was appointed.
The next challenge is to maintain that intensity without compromising player health. Iraola has begun rotating wingers, giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes, while still relying on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in the press. However, both Szoboszlai and Wirtz appeared less sharp against Fulham than they did three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, was careless with the ball, prompting some fans to question whether his reputation justifies continued patience.
Yet his work‑rate remains impressive; he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, indicating he could be one of the players Iraola identifies as capable of handling a three‑day rhythm. Iraola admitted, "You can field the same players every game, but eventually they will get tired and the injury risk rises." With Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose a key striker like Isak to fatigue.
The question remains whether Isak naturally fits a pressing forward role, or if midfielders such as Trey Nyoni or veteran Wataru Endo might need to shoulder more defensive pressure. In summary, Iraola is navigating uncharted territory at Liverpool. The congested fixture list, the demand for relentless pressing, and the need to keep players fresh are all intertwined challenges. The manager’s task now is to fine‑tune rotation policies, identify which squad members can sustain a high‑press every two or three days, and ensure that the team’s aggressive style does not lead to chronic fatigue or injuries.
As the season progresses, the answers he discovers will shape Liverpool’s identity under his stewardship.