Andoni Iraola has insisted that Liverpool must accept fluctuating performances are an inevitable part of the process as his squad continues adapting to his tactical approach.
Disappointment was palpable around Anfield during Saturday’s flat goalless draw against Fulham, where Liverpool struggled for creativity just days after securing an impressive comeback victory over Atletico Madrid.
Iraola admitted the weekend fixture was perhaps his most frustrating experience since replacing Arne Slot during the summer, describing the display as a clear step backward following encouraging wins against Ipswich and Atletico.
“I understand the frustration the other day because we were also frustrated,” he said.
“I think we were coming from two good games and we were considering it’s a step forward, Ipswich was a step forward and Atletico Madrid, and we wanted it to be another step forward. But no, it was a step backwards. The performance level is not like the other two. But this happens in football.
“I think we have to accept that there are going to be ups and downs in the process, but we are clear where we want to go is more towards where we’ve been – Atletico Madrid, Ipswich – that’s more the style of football that we want. I think now the key is the consistency to perform like this.”
Key to establishing that regular level will be managing a congested calendar as Liverpool compete on four separate fronts, starting with Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against struggling Tottenham at Anfield.
Major squad changes are anticipated, but Iraola admitted he is still assessing which players possess the physical resilience to compete every three days and who requires more prudent workload management to maintain performance levels.
“There are players who play every three days, they have no issues, they are very robust,” he said.
“They can accept it and their performances don’t change too much. And there are other players where the risk is bigger, the performances are different.
“I have to learn who is ready to play three, four games in a row every two, three days and who needs a rest so the performance level doesn’t get affected.
“I have it in my mind quite clear with some of them, but with others it is new even for them because they haven’t played as many games and we are learning…
“If you ask me how…Jeremy Jacquet is going to deal with playing every three days during two months, I don’t know because he hasn’t done it.”
Regarding squad fitness, Joe Gomez is in contention to make his first appearance of the campaign having returned to training following a muscle injury sustained during pre-season.
Conversely, Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley remains a considerable distance away from a return to action following a long-term knee injury.
“I think he is not close to training with the team,” Iraola said. “He’s training alone, but he has started touching the ball. Definitely I want him as quick as possible ready, but it’s a long-term injury.
“I think (Giovanni) Leoni is a little bit ahead of him and still it’s going to take some time for Conor.”
