Andoni Iraola has introduced an intense, high-pressing style at Liverpool, emphasizing dynamic movement and wide rotations during the club's pre-season.
Key facts
- •Liverpool averaged 60.6% possession during pre-season, a 12.9% increase compared to Iraola's Bournemouth side last season.
- •The team has experimented with building play from the back using goalkeepers Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
- •Iraola has cited Marcelo Bielsa as a major influence on his offensive tactics, particularly regarding player movement and dynamic positioning.
- •Dominik Szoboszlai has been deployed as a key defensive midfielder tasked with managing the team's high-press intensity.
- •Iraola noted that the team's recent losses were due to a lack of depth and a drop-off in physicality during second halves.
Andoni Iraola has taken over as Liverpool head coach, implementing a high-intensity tactical approach that draws comparisons to the style used by former manager Jurgen Klopp. During pre-season, the team has focused on building play through short passes while maintaining an aggressive, vertical attacking structure. While the squad has secured wins against Sunderland and Wrexham, they also experienced defeats against Leeds and Monaco after losing two-goal leads in both matches.
By the numbers
Tactical approach and influences
Iraola’s tactical philosophy is heavily influenced by Marcelo Bielsa, who coached him at Athletic Club. The current Liverpool setup prioritizes dynamic movement, with players frequently rotating positions rather than adhering to rigid roles. This is particularly evident in wide areas, where full-backs, wingers, and midfielders form triangles to break down opposition defenses. Florian Wirtz has been utilized as a number 10, often drifting to the flanks to create additional passing options.
Defensive structure and challenges
Defensively, Liverpool has utilized a 4-4-2 diamond pressing shape, aiming to funnel opponents centrally to win the ball back. Dominik Szoboszlai plays a central role in this system, using his physicality to cover ground and trigger pressing sequences. However, the team's offensive commitment—often pushing six or seven players forward—has left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Iraola has acknowledged that the squad currently struggles to sustain their desired intensity for full matches, citing a need for improved physical conditioning and better defensive organization.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Sport.
