Iraola acknowledges fitness gaps as Liverpool prepare for Newcastle opener
Two consecutive pre-season defeats have highlighted physical demands of new tactical approach ahead of 23 August campaign start
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has conceded that his squad requires improved fitness levels to sustain the intensity of his preferred playing style, following two consecutive pre-season friendly defeats where the team surrendered leads. Speaking to BBC Sport, Iraola described the 3-2 loss to Monaco at Anfield as a moment where he was more candid about the squad's inability to maintain the required standard for the full duration of a match.
The manager noted that while the first half against Monaco was strong, the team could not maintain the required standard for the full duration. Iraola highlighted that the first 30 minutes against Monaco and the first half against Leeds United were the best periods of Liverpool’s pre-season, characterised by pace, directness, and intense pressing. However, as the games progressed and substitutions were made, the performance declined significantly.
Assistant coach Pablo de la Torre, formerly the fitness coach at Bournemouth, is overseeing the fitness regimen. Iraola has implemented high-intensity training methods, with players reporting high physical demands. One player told BBC Sport he felt sick after initial training sessions, and losing sides in training have been required to sprint across the pitch as punishment.
Milos Kerkez stated that Iraola is instructing players to play one-on-one all over the pitch, to press high and to always be on the front foot. Iraola’s previous tenure at Bournemouth saw his side rank first in the Premier League for direct attacks and third for high turnovers, though it took him 10 games to secure his first win in the 2023-24 season.
Several squad members are still recovering from time off following the World Cup, while Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined with lengthy injuries. The squad prepares for the Premier League opener against Newcastle on 23 August, with captain Virgil van Dijk indicating openness to new signings to add quality to the team.
