Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges of implementing a relentless pressing system at Liverpool, especially when the schedule forces players to compete with little recovery time. 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 to fatigue and injury.
"I need to identify who can sustain that intensity and who needs a rest to keep their performance steady," he explained, adding that the current squad presents a mix of both types, some of whom are still adapting to such a demanding workload. The issue became evident on Saturday at Anfield, when Liverpool were held to a dull draw by Fulham, a side that had already lost its first three league games.
The mid‑week Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid the previous night clearly left a mark. After the match, Iraola admitted that the team suffered from a lack of freshness and that the fatigue was obvious.
He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" permitted under Premier League scheduling rules, acknowledging that Liverpool will have to learn to cope with such constraints. Looking ahead, the calendar is unforgiving. Following the upcoming international break, Liverpool face Manchester City at home, then travel to Austria for a Champions League tie against LASK Linz, and within 72 hours are back on the road to meet Brentford. The next month brings a high‑profile home game versus Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and a return fixture against Crystal Palace.
November adds a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between matches with Manchester United and Everton. This relentless sequence illustrates the reality of competing at the very top of English and European football. Iraola’s primary concern has always been whether his players can adopt the high‑pressing, hard‑running style that defines his coaching philosophy while still delivering the quality Liverpool fans expect.
In pre‑season he warned that he would ask his squad to do things differently, especially when out of possession. Alexander Isak echoed that sentiment after a friendly against Monaco, saying, "We are all working hard to make it work." The Fulham game served as the first true test of how the two worlds – a grueling Champions League night followed by a demanding Premier League fixture – intersect.
Liverpool had to come from behind to win in Europe, then immediately needed to press aggressively against Fulham. Iraola was blunt in his post‑match press conference, pointing out that the team was late to the presses in the first half. Although tactical adjustments were made at halftime, the problem persisted. Liverpool’s defensive shape often splits under pressure: the back line drops back while the forwards press high, creating gaps that opponents can exploit.
Against Fulham, players like Josh King found surprising pockets of space, and Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno was able to release the ball easily, removing several Liverpool attackers from the play. Despite the setback, Iraola is unlikely to abandon his pressing ethos. Statistically, Liverpool’s Pressures Per Defensive Action (PPDA) sits at an impressive 8.6 this season – lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp – indicating an aggressive approach. However, against Fulham the PPDA rose above the average, suggesting the squad was not operating at its usual tempo.
Nonetheless, Liverpool have logged the most sprints and rank 12th in total distance covered, confirming their physical commitment. The challenge now is to maintain that intensity consistently. Iraola has begun rotating wingers and midfielders, giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes, while still relying heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, who both appeared less sharp than three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, was sloppy with the ball, prompting criticism from supporters who question whether his reputation justifies continued selection.
Yet his work rate remains a plus; he is second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, making him a candidate for the “every‑three‑days” group Iraola mentioned. Injury risk looms large. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose key forwards like Isak to fatigue. Questions arise about whether the Swedish striker is a natural fit for a press‑centric system, and similar doubts apply to some midfield options.
Veteran players such as Wataru Endo may provide stability, while younger talents like Trey Nyoni could be tested for durability. Iraola admits that this is a learning curve and that he is navigating uncharted territory.
The central question remains: can Liverpool sustain a high‑pressing, high‑intensity style across three matches in a week without compromising results or player health? The answer will shape the club’s identity under his leadership and determine whether the pressing philosophy can become a permanent hallmark of Liverpool football.