Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has voiced concerns over his squad's general fitness levels following recent pre-season friendly results. The team has now conceded late comebacks in two consecutive matches, losing to Leeds and Monaco after holding two-goal leads.
Following the 3-2 defeat to Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, Iraola stated that his side has "work to do" as they struggle to maintain the required intensity for the full duration of games. He noted that while the team performed well for the initial 30 minutes against Monaco and in the first half against Leeds, they could not sustain that level.
"I would like to say, no, on the first day, we are going to be perfect, everyone will be in place, but probably it is not going to be like this," Iraola said when asked about the timeline for his playing style to be fully implemented. "We will have to do this as quickly as possible."
Some players are still regaining full fitness after time off following the World Cup, while others, such as Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni, are sidelined with injuries. Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly close to completing a season-long loan move from Barcelona.
Captain Virgil van Dijk commented on potential new arrivals, stating, "Any quality we can add to the team will definitely be welcome so let's see." However, Iraola is firm that the general fitness of the current squad must improve to execute his preferred style of play. Pablo de la Torre, one of Iraola's assistants and formerly the fitness coach at Bournemouth, has also joined the Liverpool staff.
During an open training session in Chicago, Iraola was heard repeatedly urging players to be "quicker, quicker." Players have described the demanding training sessions, with one telling BBC Sport that they felt sick after early sessions. Penalties for losing teams in training involve sprints to the opposite end of the pitch and back.
"He is asking the players to play one-on-one all over the pitch, to press high and to always be on the front foot," said player Milos Kerkez, describing Iraola's tactical approach. Iraola's previous Bournemouth team ranked first in the Premier League for direct attacks and third for high turnovers.
Iraola took 10 games to secure his first win in the 2023-24 season with Bournemouth, a run that would likely be considered unacceptable at Liverpool. However, his persistence with his methods led to Bournemouth's performances throughout his tenure. Iraola has had less than a month to work with his players, and only about a week with some, highlighting the short timeframe for implementing significant changes.