Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy poses for Liverpool’s congested schedule. He noted that some players can handle a match every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and may see their performances suffer. "I need to identify who can thrive on a three‑day turnaround and who needs a longer rest to keep their level up," he said, adding that the club is still learning which squad members fit each profile because many have not endured such a demanding fixture list before. The issue became starkly apparent on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool were held to a dull draw by Fulham, a side that had lost its first three league games.
The midweek Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid the previous week left a visible imprint on the Reds. After the match, Iraola admitted the lack of freshness was evident: "We cannot hide the fact that the players were not as sharp as they should be.
It is the worst turnaround allowed by the Premier League’s scheduling rules, and we will have to adapt." Looking ahead, the calendar offers little reprieve. Following the upcoming international break, Liverpool face Manchester City at home – a physically taxing encounter – before jetting to Austria for a Champions League tie with LASK Linz. Within 72 hours of that trip they travel to Brentford for an away league game. The sequence continues in October with a home showdown against Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and then an away match at Crystal Palace.
November brings another European night at Club Brugge sandwiched between fixtures against Manchester United and Everton. Such a relentless rhythm underscores the reality of competing at the highest level: the squad must manage fatigue while maintaining the high‑intensity style that defines Iraola’s approach. Iraola’s pre‑season remarks hinted at the difficulty of melding his pressing system with a squad still adjusting to his demands. He explained that he asks his players to perform actions that are "a little different, especially without the ball," and that they are gradually learning to execute those tasks.
Alexander Isak, after a friendly against Monaco, echoed the sentiment: "We are all working hard to make things work." The Fulham game was the first true test of how the two worlds – a grueling European night and a fast‑paced league match – collide. Liverpool had to come from behind to win the Champions League tie, then immediately switch to a game where they were expected to dictate the tempo.
Iraola’s post‑match press conference highlighted the problem: "In the first half we were late to the presses," he observed, noting that the team’s coordination improved after the halftime talk but never fully recovered. The Reds often split into a deep‑lying defensive block while the attackers press high, a pattern that left gaps for Fulham’s forward Josh King and others to exploit. When Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno found a simple outlet pass, Liverpool’s forwards were forced off the ball, exposing the vulnerability of an incomplete press.
Statistically, Liverpool’s pressing intensity is measured by Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA). So far this season the club sits at an impressive 8.6 PPDA – lower than any full season under Jürgen Klopp – indicating a very aggressive approach. Against Fulham, the figure rose slightly, suggesting the players were not at their usual tempo.
Nevertheless, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League in total distance covered and ranks 12th for sprint count, confirming that the team is indeed running and pressing more than any other side. Why did Iraola receive the job? The board wanted a return to a high‑energy, pressing brand of football, and his reputation for demanding work‑rate matched that vision. The challenge now is to sustain that intensity over a season packed with mid‑week European nights, domestic cup ties, and occasional injury crises.
To keep the players fresh, Iraola has begun rotating his wide men, giving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more minutes, while still relying heavily on Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz. The latter, however, struggled against Fulham, appearing sloppy and failing to reach the level he displayed just three days earlier.
Wirtz’s case illustrates the broader dilemma. He is the league’s second‑most prolific runner at high speed, yet his technical execution faltered when fatigue set in. Some fans are growing impatient with the excuses, demanding that a player of his caliber deliver regardless of the schedule. Iraola, meanwhile, remains pragmatic: "You can field the same eleven every game, but eventually they will tire and the injury risk rises." The situation is further complicated by the unavailability of Hugo Ekitike, meaning Liverpool cannot afford to lose another key attacker such as Isak to exhaustion or injury.
Questions arise about whether the Swedish striker is naturally suited to a high‑press system, and whether midfielders like Trey Nyoni or veteran Wataru Endo can provide the necessary balance and experience. In essence, Iraola is navigating uncharted waters. The core issue – how to manage three games in a week without sacrificing the pressing identity – has always been the biggest question for a coach known for his meticulous preparation.
The answer will likely involve a blend of strategic rotation, individualized recovery protocols, and perhaps tactical tweaks that allow certain players to sit deeper while others execute the high press. As the season progresses, the Liverpool board, the fans, and Iraola himself will be watching closely to see whether the pressing philosophy can be sustained without compromising results or player health. The upcoming weeks will serve as a litmus test. If Liverpool can maintain a high PPDA, keep up their sprint numbers, and still secure points against top opponents, Iraola’s system will be vindicated.
Conversely, if fatigue leads to lapses, injuries, or a drop in league standing, the club may have to reconsider the intensity of its approach. Either way, the Liverpool project under Iraola promises to be a fascinating case study in modern football’s battle between tactical ambition and the physical limits of elite athletes.