Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy presents for a squad that now faces a congested calendar. He noted that some athletes can comfortably feature every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and see their output suffer when the turnaround is too short. "I need to identify who can handle a three‑day rhythm and who needs a rest to keep their level steady," he said, acknowledging that the learning curve is steep for players who have not been accustomed to such a demanding schedule.
The truth of his words became evident on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a dull draw by Fulham – a side that had lost its first three league matches. The midweek Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in Europe had clearly taken its toll, and the fatigue was obvious to anyone watching. After the game, Iraola did not mince words: "There is a lack of freshness, and we cannot pretend otherwise." He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" permitted under Premier League rules, but also stressed that Liverpool must adapt quickly if they are to compete on multiple fronts.
Looking ahead, the fixture list underscores the magnitude of the problem. Following the international break, Liverpool host Manchester City – a match that will test the team's stamina and tactical discipline.
Within three days they travel to Austria to meet LASK Linz in the Champions League, and then, after only 72 hours, they are back on the road at Brentford. The calendar continues to stack up: a home showdown with Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, a return leg against Crystal Palace, and later a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between games with Manchester United and Everton. Such a sequence leaves little room for recovery and forces the coaching staff to make difficult rotation decisions.
The core of Iraola's dilemma is whether his players can embrace a high‑intensity, hard‑running style while still delivering consistent performances. He has already hinted that he expects his squad to execute slightly different tasks, especially when out of possession.
Alexander Isak, after a pre‑season friendly against Monaco, echoed this sentiment: "We are all working hard to make things work." The Fulham game was the first true test of this theory under competitive conditions. Liverpool had to recover from a demanding Champions League night, then immediately press the opposition in a domestic fixture that required them to dictate the tempo. In the post‑match press conference, Iraola identified the primary issue: the team was late to the first press, particularly in the opening half. Although tactical tweaks were introduced at halftime, the problem persisted.
Liverpool's defensive shape often split into two units – a back line that fell back while the front line pressed high. This created gaps that Fulham's attackers, such as Josh King, could exploit, allowing them surprising pockets of space. When Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno found an easy outlet, several Liverpool forwards were forced off the pitch, highlighting the danger of an incomplete press. Statistically, Liverpool's pressing intensity is measured by Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA).
At the time of writing, their PPDA sits at an impressive 8.6, a figure lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp. However, against Fulham it rose above the season average, suggesting that the players were not operating at their usual tempo. Despite this, Liverpool have logged the most sprints and rank 12th in total distance covered across the league, underscoring their commitment to a high‑energy approach. Iraola's mandate was to reinstate this brand of football, but the real test lies in maintaining it consistently.
To manage fatigue, he has begun rotating wingers and midfielders, giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes. Yet, key players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz were asked to start again against Fulham, and neither matched the sharpness they displayed just three days earlier. Wirtz, in particular, appeared sloppy with the ball, prompting some supporters to question whether his reputation can excuse a sub‑par performance.
On the other hand, his work‑rate remains a strong point – he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered – which may justify his continued involvement in a press‑heavy system. Iraola admitted that relying on the same eleven every game carries risks. "You can field the same players each time, but eventually they will become exhausted, and the injury risk rises," he warned.
With striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose another forward, such as Isak, to fatigue or injury. The question also arises whether Isak is a natural fit for a pressing forward role, or if Iraola will need to adapt his tactics to accommodate different player profiles. Similar considerations apply to the midfield, where veteran Wataru Endo could provide stability, while younger talents like Trey Nyoni might be tested for their resilience.
In summary, Iraola is navigating uncharted waters. The challenge of three games in a week has always loomed large for any manager, but for a coach whose philosophy hinges on relentless pressing, the stakes are even higher.
The Liverpool board expects a return to the aggressive, high‑pressing style that defined the club's recent successes, yet the practicalities of squad rotation, injury prevention, and player fatigue demand a nuanced approach. As the season unfolds, Iraola's ability to identify which players can thrive on a three‑day cycle, adjust his tactical instructions, and keep the team fresh will determine whether his pressing game can truly flourish at Anfield.