Iraola: Liverpool's pressing game under threat from fixture congestion after Fulham stalemate
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted his side are struggling to maintain their high-intensity pressing game amid a packed schedule, following a disappointing goalless draw against Fulham at Anfield. The Reds face a daunting run of three games in 72 hours after the international break.
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Fulham ended in a stalemate at Anfield
- Next up: Manchester City (H) after international break, then LASK Linz (A) in Champions League, then Brentford (A) within 72 hours
- Key stat: Liverpool's PPDA stands at just 8.6 this season, lower than any full season under Jurgen Klopp
- Injury doubt: Hugo Ekitike unavailable, leaving Alexander Isak as the main striker
- Rotation plan: Iraola rotating wingers, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
What was said
"There are players who play every three days and have no issues, they can accept it and performances do not change too much. Then there are other players where the risk is bigger and the performances are different."
"I have to learn who is ready to play every two or three days and who is ready to rest so their performance level doesn't drop. I had an idea with some of them, but for some of them it is new as they have not played as many games and we are learning."
"A lack of freshness, definitely. We cannot hide it."
"This is going to happen more times, maybe with one more day, maybe. But sometimes it is going to happen the same way during the season."
"Especially in the first half, we were arriving late to the presses."
"You can put the same players in every game. The problem is there will be a moment they are very tired and there is more risk of injury."
"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."
"We are all working hard to make things work."
Iraola's honesty is refreshing but also concerning. He knows his squad is not yet conditioned to the relentless demands of his pressing system, and the fixture list offers no respite. The former Bournemouth boss is learning on the job at a club where expectations are sky-high.
His comments reveal a manager grappling with the balance between installing his philosophy and managing fatigue. The admission that some players are new to such demands is a clear signal that Liverpool's squad depth will be tested to its limits.
The numbers
- PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action): Liverpool's current rate is 8.6, lower than any full season under Jurgen Klopp.
- Sprints: Liverpool have made the most sprints in the Premier League this season.
- Distance covered: The Reds are up 12 places for total distance covered compared to last season.
- Wirtz's high-speed distance: Florian Wirtz ranks second in the league for distance covered at high speeds.
These figures underline Iraola's commitment to an aggressive, front-foot style. But they also highlight the physical toll. The PPDA of 8.6 is exceptionally low, indicating Liverpool are pressing more intensely than ever. However, against Fulham, that number rose, suggesting a drop-off in intensity.
Analysis: Why Liverpool's pressing is unsustainable without rotation
Iraola's system relies on collective energy and coordinated pressing triggers. Against Fulham, the press was disjointed, with Josh King and others finding space in behind. The first-half issue of "arriving late to the presses" was evident, and while tactical tweaks at half-time helped, the damage was done. Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno repeatedly found easy passes out, bypassing Liverpool's forward line.
The problem is twofold: physical fatigue and mental sharpness. Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz were asked to go again after the midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, and neither hit the same levels. Wirtz, in particular, was sloppy in possession – a concern for a player with such a big reputation. His work-rate is not in question (second in the league for high-speed distance), but his effectiveness wanes when tired.
Iraola has tried to freshen things up by rotating the wingers and Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. But the core issue remains: Liverpool lack like-for-like replacements in key positions. With Hugo Ekitike unavailable, Alexander Isak is irreplaceable – and the Swedish striker is not a natural pressing forward. The midfield also lacks depth, raising questions about whether Trey Nyoni or Wataru Endo should be trusted more.
The upcoming fixture list is brutal: after the international break, Liverpool host Manchester City, then travel to Austria to face LASK Linz in the Champions League, before an away trip to Brentford – all within 72 hours. Later, a home clash with Arsenal is followed by a midweek trip to Fenerbahce and then Crystal Palace away. In November, a visit to Club Brugge is sandwiched between Manchester United and Everton. These are the games that will define Liverpool's season, and Iraola must find a way to keep his players fresh.
Talking points
- Should Iraola abandon his pressing philosophy for certain games to avoid burnout, or is compromising his principles a bigger risk?
- Is Alexander Isak the right striker for this system? He doesn't press like a natural, and with Ekitike out, Liverpool lack alternatives.
- Has Florian Wirtz been given too much leeway? His talent is undeniable, but his sloppiness under fatigue is costing Liverpool.
- Are the young players like Trey Nyoni ready to step up? Iraola's reluctance to use them could backfire if key men get injured.
What happens next
Liverpool return to Premier League action after the international break with a home game against Manchester City. That match will be followed by a Champions League trip to LASK Linz and then a Premier League away game at Brentford. Iraola must decide whether to rotate heavily or stick with his trusted starters. The results of these three games could shape Liverpool's title challenge and Iraola's early tenure.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Liverpool struggle against Fulham?
Andoni Iraola admitted his side lacked freshness after their midweek Champions League game against Atletico Madrid. Liverpool were late to the presses, especially in the first half, and Fulham exploited the gaps.
What is Liverpool's PPDA this season?
Liverpool's PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) stands at 8.6, which is lower than any full season under Jurgen Klopp. This indicates they are pressing more intensely than before.
Will Alexander Isak start against Manchester City?
With Hugo Ekitike unavailable, Alexander Isak is Liverpool's only senior striker option. He is expected to start unless Iraola opts for a makeshift forward, but his suitability for the pressing system remains a concern.
Related Articles
Filed under: Tactical Analysis | LA Premier League Home
