How Liverpool are shaping up under Iraola

Andoni Iraola, the newly appointed head coach of Liverpool, is attempting to revive the team's style of play that previously captivated fans. A season prior, Arne Slot led Liverpool to a Premier League victory with a heavy metal football approach, reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp's tenure. Under Iraola, Liverpool has encountered mixed results in their pre-season games.

While they have secured victories over Sunderland and Wrexham, they faltered against Leeds and Monaco, losing two-goal leads in both matches. Their average possession rate stands at 60.6%, a notable 12.9% increase from their league performance last season under Slot. This heightened ball control poses a new challenge for Iraola, who aims to maintain his team's intense and chaotic style while adapting to modern football tactics.

Iraola's playing philosophy draws inspiration from his former mentor, the late Marcelo Bielsa, of Leeds United. Iraola emphasized the importance of dynamic attacks, often replicating Bielsa's style of rotation within a three-v-three or two-v-two setup. By doing so, Liverpool aims to create an unpredictable attacking pattern, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate their moves.

However, this approach also leaves Liverpool vulnerable to counter-attacks, particularly when their full-backs join the offensive. With Liverpool's team composition featuring several forwards and wide players, maintaining a robust defensive structure remains a challenge. Iraola's high press, a key component of his defensive strategy, has showcased the intensity with which he wants his team to play.

Nonetheless, Liverpool still needs to refine their defensive depth, physicality, and the effectiveness of their high press to fully capitalize on their attacking prowess.