Liverpool F.C. Manager Andoni Iraola is grappling with a tactical dilemma that plagued his predecessor Arne Slot: late-game collapses. The Reds conceded five Premier League losses in stoppage time last season, a league record. Now, Iraola's aggressive pressing style may exacerbate the issue, as players struggle with fatigue in closing stages.
Iraola’s high-press demands relentless running, as left-back Milos Kerkez explains. We play really aggressive. We need to run a lot more, he said after a 2-0 friendly win over Como. The Hungarian admitted fatigue set in around the 70th minute, raising concerns about endurance in competitive matches. Liverpool’s pre-season struggles-blowing 2-0 leads against Monaco and Leeds-highlight the risk.
Last season’s late-game woes (5 losses in stoppage time) cost Liverpool dearly, finishing 5th with 60 points, 25 behind Arsenal. Iraola’s system, while promising, risks repeating the pattern. The Reds scored 63 goals but conceded 53, a +10 goal difference that must improve. Fans hope fitness and tactical familiarity will mitigate the issue.
Liverpool opens the season at Newcastle on Sunday, a stern test of Iraola’s methods. The manager’s success hinges on balancing aggression with stamina. As Kerkez noted, You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down, but sustaining that intensity is key. The Reds must avoid late collapses to challenge for top-four.
