Andoni Iraola has been candid about the challenges his pressing philosophy presents for Liverpool, especially when the schedule becomes congested. 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 and may see a decline in output.
"I need to identify which players can sustain that rhythm and which need a rest to keep their performance steady," he said, acknowledging that his squad is still adapting to a workload they have not previously experienced. The issue became evident 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 against Atletico Madrid in Europe seemed to have taken its toll. After the match, Iraola admitted, "There was a clear lack of freshness – we could not hide it." He described the situation as the "worst turnaround" allowed under Premier League regulations, but also stressed that the club must learn to cope with such tight turnarounds.
Looking ahead, the calendar offers little relief. Following the international break, Liverpool face Manchester City at home, then travel to Austria for a Champions League tie with LASK Linz, and within 72 hours are back on the road to face Brentford.
In October the sequence repeats: a home showdown with Arsenal, a mid‑week trip to Fenerbahçe, and an away league game at Crystal Palace. November brings a visit to Club Brugge sandwiched between matches with Manchester United and Everton.
This relentless rhythm underscores the reality of competing at the highest level, where squad rotation and recovery become as vital as tactics. Iraola's primary concern has always been whether his players can embrace the high‑intensity, hard‑running style that defines his approach while still delivering the technical quality expected at Liverpool. In pre‑season he explained, "I am asking them to do things that are a little different, especially without the ball, and I think they are beginning to understand." Alexander Isak echoed that sentiment after a friendly against Monaco, saying, "We are all working hard to make it work." The Fulham game was the first true test of how the two worlds – a demanding European night and a rapid domestic turnaround – intersect.
Liverpool had to come from behind to win the Champions League tie, then immediately needed to dictate the tempo against a well‑organized Fulham side. Iraola observed in the post‑match press conference that the team arrived late to the press‑ing phases in the first half, prompting a tactical adjustment at halftime that only partially solved the problem. Liverpool’s traditional split‑team structure – a compact defence that sits deep while the forwards press high – was exposed. When the press faltered, Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno found space to launch easy passes, pulling several Liverpool attackers out of the action.
Despite the setback, Iraola is unlikely to abandon his pressing ethos, believing that the long‑term benefits outweigh short‑term growing pains. Statistically, Liverpool’s Pressures Per Defensive Action (PPDA) stands at an impressive 8.6, the lowest figure recorded this season and even lower than any full campaign under Jürgen Klopp.
Against Fulham, the PPDA rose slightly, suggesting the team was a touch slower than usual – a point Iraola himself raised. Nevertheless, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League in total sprints and ranks 12th for overall distance covered, confirming that the players are indeed running more, sprinting more, and pressing more than their rivals. To sustain this intensity, Iraola has begun to rotate his wide players, giving minutes to Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while still relying on the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in the pressing unit. Wirtz, however, appeared tentative against Fulham, prompting criticism from some supporters who question whether his reputation justifies continued selection.
Yet his work‑rate remains among the highest in the league for high‑speed distance, indicating that his physical contributions align with Iraola’s demands. The manager admitted that he can field the same eleven in consecutive games, but warned, "Eventually fatigue sets in and the risk of injury rises." With key forward Hugo Ekitike sidelined, Liverpool cannot afford to lose players like Alexander Isak to burnout.
The question arises whether Isak, a Swedish striker, naturally fits the pressing mold, or if Iraola must adapt his role. Similar doubts extend to the midfield, where veterans such as Wataru Endo could provide stability while younger talents learn the rhythm of three‑game weeks. In summary, Iraola’s tenure at Liverpool is a learning curve for both coach and squad. The congested schedule, the need for rapid recovery, and the implementation of an aggressive press are all uncharted territory for many of the players.
As the season progresses, the true test will be whether Liverpool can consistently combine the physical demands of Iraola’s system with the technical excellence required to compete on multiple fronts. The answer will shape the club’s identity under this new managerial era.