Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges of implementing a relentless pressing system at Liverpool. He noted that some players can handle a match every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others struggle and see their performances suffer. "There are players who play every three days and have no issues, they can accept it and performances do not change too much," he said, adding that the risk is greater for those who need more recovery time.
Iraola emphasized that part of his job is to identify who can sustain a high‑intensity schedule and who needs occasional rest to maintain their level. The reality of his theory was put to the test on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool drew 0‑0 with Fulham, a side that had lost its first three league games.
The mid‑week Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in Europe appeared to have left the Reds fatigued. 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 tight turnarounds will recur throughout the season, sometimes with only a single day between fixtures.
A quick glance at Liverpool's upcoming calendar underlines the intensity of the schedule. Following the international break, the team will 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 games in just eight days. The next month brings a home clash with Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and an away match at Crystal Palace.
November adds a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between games against Manchester United and Everton. This relentless rhythm is the new normal for any top‑flight side, and Iraola must decide how to keep his squad fresh while preserving the high‑pressing identity he values. Iraola’s philosophy hinges on a proactive, hard‑working style that demands players press aggressively even when out of possession.
He told the press in pre‑season, "I am asking them to do things that are a little bit different, especially without the ball and I think they are trying to get it." Alexander Isak echoed this sentiment after a friendly with Monaco, noting that everyone was working hard to make the system work. The Fulham game, however, was the first real test of how the team would cope when a demanding Champions League night was followed by a domestic fixture that required sustained pressure.
In the post‑match press conference, Iraola was brutally honest about the team's performance. He highlighted that Liverpool were "arriving late to the presses" in the first half, a problem that persisted despite tactical tweaks at halftime. The Reds have traditionally shown a split‑team tendency: the defence sits deep while the attackers press high. Against Fulham, this left gaps that opponents like Josh King exploited, allowing them space and time.
When Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno found an easy outlet, several Liverpool forwards were caught out, underscoring the risk of an uncoordinated press. Statistically, Liverpool’s pressing intensity is measured by Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA). So far this season, their PPDA sits at a striking 8.6 – lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp – indicating a very aggressive approach. Against Fulham, the PPDA rose slightly, suggesting the team was a bit slower than usual.
Nevertheless, Liverpool have logged the most sprints and rank 12th for total distance covered in the Premier League, confirming that the physical output remains high. To manage fatigue, Iraola has begun rotating certain positions. He has experimented with swapping wingers and giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes. However, key players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz were retained for the Fulham match, and both appeared less sharp than they had three days earlier.
Wirtz, in particular, displayed a sloppy touch, drawing criticism from fans who feel his reputation may be inflating expectations. Yet his work‑rate remains impressive; he is second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, suggesting he could be a candidate for the "every‑three‑days" rotation. Iraola admitted that using the same eleven players week after week is unsustainable.
"You can put the same players in every game," he said, "but the problem is there will be a moment they are very tired and there is more risk of injury." With striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose the fitness of crucial forwards like Isak. Questions arise about whether Isak fits the pressing forward mold, and similar doubts linger over some midfielders. The manager may need to rely more on seasoned campaigners such as Wataru Endo or give younger talents like Trey Nyoni a chance to prove their stamina. Overall, Iraola acknowledges that this is a learning curve for both him and the squad.
The biggest question remains how the Liverpool boss will navigate weeks with three matches, balancing the desire for an energetic press with the practical limits of player recovery. The answer will shape Liverpool’s identity this season, as the club strives to blend Klopp‑era intensity with Iraola’s tactical nuances while staying competitive on multiple fronts.