Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy presents for Liverpool, especially when the squad is forced into a congested schedule. He noted that some athletes can comfortably handle matches every two or three days without a noticeable dip in form, while others are more vulnerable and may see their performance suffer. "I have to learn who can cope with a game every two or three days and who needs a rest to keep their level up," he said, acknowledging that the club is still gathering data on which players can sustain the intensity required by his system. The issue became starkly apparent on a Saturday at Anfield when Liverpool drew 0‑0 with Fulham, a side that had lost its first three league fixtures.
The mid‑week Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid in Europe seemed to have taken its toll. After the match, Iraola admitted that the team lacked freshness and that the fatigue was evident.
He described the situation as "the worst turnaround" permitted under Premier League scheduling rules, but also stressed that Liverpool must adapt if they are to compete on multiple fronts. Looking ahead, the fixture list underscores how tight Liverpool's calendar will become.
Following the international break, the Reds host Manchester City, then travel to Austria for a Champions League tie with LASK Linz, and within 72 hours are back in England to face Brentford away. In October, a home showdown with Arsenal is followed by a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, before an away game at Crystal Palace.
November brings a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between matches against Manchester United and Everton. This relentless rhythm illustrates the reality for any top‑level club: a constant need to balance recovery with high‑intensity tactics. Iraola's biggest unknown has always been how his players will respond to the demanding, high‑pressing style that defines his coaching identity.
He has asked his squad to execute pressing actions that differ from traditional approaches, particularly when the ball is not in their possession. In pre‑season, forward Alexander Isak echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are all working hard to make things work." The Fulham game was the first real test of this philosophy under competitive conditions. Liverpool's Champions League night at Anfield required a comeback victory, and the subsequent Premier League match demanded that the team maintain a high tempo.
Iraola observed that the side arrived late to the press in the first half, a problem that persisted despite tactical adjustments at halftime. The Reds have often displayed a split‑team shape: the defense sits deep while the attackers press aggressively.
Against Fulham, this left gaps that allowed opponents like Josh King to find space, and even gave Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno the chance to distribute the ball easily, removing several Liverpool forwards from the action. Statistically, Liverpool's pressing intensity is measured by Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA). So far this season, their PPDA sits at an impressive 8.6, lower than any full season under Jurgen Klopp.
However, the figure rose slightly against Fulham, hinting that the players were not operating at their usual speed. Despite this, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League in total sprints and ranks 12 places higher than any other team in distance covered, confirming that the physical workload has increased under Iraola.
The challenge now is to maintain that level of exertion without compromising effectiveness or increasing injury risk. Iraola has begun to rotate his front line, giving minutes to wingers, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while still relying on key players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz. Unfortunately, both struggled to match the intensity they displayed three days earlier against Atlético.
Wirtz, in particular, appeared sloppy with the ball, prompting criticism from supporters who question whether his reputation justifies the leniency. Nevertheless, his work‑rate remains a bright spot; he ranks second in the league for high‑speed distance covered, suggesting he could be one of the players capable of handling a three‑day turnaround.
Iraola admitted that fielding the same eleven players every match is unrealistic. "The problem is there will be a moment when they are very tired and the risk of injury rises," he said. With striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose a player like Alexander Isak to fatigue or injury. The question arises whether Isak, a Swedish forward, naturally fits a pressing system, or if he will need to adapt his style.
Similar doubts extend to the midfield, where the likes of Trey Nyoni and veteran Wataru Endo might be called upon to provide stability and experience. Overall, Iraola acknowledges that this period is a learning curve for both him and the squad.
The pressing philosophy he champions demands not only physical stamina but also tactical cohesion and mental resilience. As the season progresses, the Liverpool manager will need to refine his rotation policy, manage player workloads, and perhaps adjust his pressing triggers to ensure the team can sustain its high‑energy approach across domestic and European commitments. The ultimate test will be whether Liverpool can consistently combine relentless pressing with effective football without succumbing to fatigue or injuries, a balance that will define Iraola's tenure at the club.