How Concerned Should Liverpool Be After Another Pre-Season Collapse?

The news from Liverpool ahead of their season opener against Newcastle on August 23 is not encouraging. For the second game in a row, the Reds have blown a two-goal lead, this time against Monaco. Manager Andoni Iraola’s admission that his players may only be able to implement his high-pressing methods for as little as half an hour at a time highlights the club’s pressing concerns.

Liverpool’s struggles are not solely about the result; they’re about the underlying issues threatening their campaign. At the heart of this conundrum lies fitness – or rather, a lack thereof. The team’s reliance on high-pressing football under Jurgen Klopp is well-established, and many of his former players remain at Anfield. However, this approach demands a level of physicality that Iraola’s team currently lacks.

Last season, no side in the Premier League completed more sprints than Iraola’s Bournemouth, which suggests that Liverpool’s high-pressing style is not just about mental preparation but also requires a certain level of physical fitness. The numbers are telling: Liverpool’s players seem to be struggling with this aspect of the game.

Iraola’s admission that his team may only have the capacity to implement their methods for short periods is a worrying sign. This prioritizes match cohesion over squad rotation, which will become increasingly important as the season wears on. Their rivals are already beginning to prioritize this aspect of the game, and it’s a trend that Liverpool need to address quickly.

The issue of squad depth is further complicated by the fact that many of Liverpool’s second-half additions managed only eight top-flight starts last season. This lack of experience will be severely tested as Iraola attempts to implement his high-pressing style. The surprise arrival of Ronald Araujo provides some relief, but even with him on board, Liverpool still have significant issues at centre-back.

The club’s transfer policy has been criticized for being slow and ineffective, despite spending comfortably over £400m last summer. While not all of these issues are self-inflicted, the problems at centre-back in particular owe more to an unfortunate combination of factors rather than any single decision.

As Iraola prepares his team for their season opener against Newcastle, he will be acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can adjust to Iraola’s high-pressing style and address their fitness concerns. If they fail to do so, it could prove costly – both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool’s rivals are already making their move, prioritizing match cohesion over squad rotation. Manchester City, Arsenal, and Aston Villa – all fellow Champions League qualifiers – left five or more outfield starters on for at least 75 minutes in their respective friendlies last weekend. This trend is set to continue as the season wears on, putting further pressure on Iraola’s team.

Liverpool still need significant reinforcements, particularly at centre-back, where many of their second-half additions struggled to make an impact last season. The departure of Michael Edwards last month and continuing rumors over Richard Hughes’ future will provide little excuse if the season gets off to a slow start.

Iraola’s high-pressing style requires a level of physicality that Liverpool’s players seem to be struggling with. Last season, no side in the Premier League completed more sprints than Iraola’s Bournemouth, which suggests that this is not just about mental preparation but also requires a certain level of physical fitness.

As Iraola prepares his team for their season opener against Newcastle, he will be acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can adjust to Iraola’s high-pressing style and address their fitness concerns. If they fail to do so, it could prove costly – both on and off the pitch.

The season of adjustment has begun for Liverpool, and it won’t be easy. But with a strong start against Newcastle, Iraola and his team can begin to build momentum and overcome their physical challenges. The question is: will they be able to make the necessary adjustments in time? Only time will tell.