Andoni Iraola arrived at Anfield with a huge reputation, an exciting attacking philosophy and the enormous responsibility of succeeding Arne Slot.
But after the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season, the honeymoon period is already beginning to feel very different. 👀
Liverpool have shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also exposed weaknesses that simply cannot be ignored.
The image of Iraola standing on the touchline, deep in thought, almost tells the story itself.
This Liverpool team is still searching for its identity.
And the biggest question is whether Iraola can find the answers quickly enough. 😰🔴
Iraola was appointed after three impressive seasons at Bournemouth, where he developed a reputation for aggressive pressing, fearless attacking football and an intense style of play. Liverpool clearly saw him as the coach capable of taking the club into a new era.
But Anfield is a completely different beast.
At Bournemouth, a tactical mistake could be explained as part of a long-term project.
At Liverpool, dropped points immediately become headlines.
The pressure is relentless.
Liverpool opened their league campaign with consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before finally recording their first Premier League victory at Ipswich.
That Ipswich performance briefly changed the mood.
Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes, Cody Gakpo produced two assists and Liverpool looked considerably more dangerous. It was exactly the kind of performance Iraola needed.
Then came Atlético Madrid. 🌪️
Liverpool found themselves behind and facing a tactical problem after Diego Simeone’s side unexpectedly switched shape.
Iraola responded.
Liverpool eventually turned the game around and secured a 2-1 Champions League victory, with the manager earning praise for his adjustments during the match.
For a moment, everything looked fine.
Then Fulham arrived.
And suddenly, the questions returned. 😬
Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Anfield, struggling to create the same attacking energy they had displayed days earlier.
The problem was not simply the result.
It was the performance.
Liverpool looked short of freshness, sharpness and rhythm, while Iraola admitted that the demanding schedule and the short turnaround between Atlético Madrid and Fulham had taken its toll.
That is where things become interesting.
🧠 IRAOLA HAS A TACTICAL PUZZLE ON HIS HANDS
Liverpool have assembled an attack packed with expensive and highly talented players.
Florian Wirtz.
Alexander Isak.
Bradley Barcola.
Cody Gakpo.
Victor Muñoz.
On paper, that attack should terrify almost every defence in Europe. 😮💨🔥
But football isn’t played on paper.
The players need to understand one another.
The midfield needs to protect them.
The full-backs need to know when to attack and when to stay.
The forwards need to press together.
And perhaps most importantly, Liverpool need to find a structure that allows their creative players to flourish without leaving the team vulnerable in transition.
That balance hasn’t been perfected yet.
🚨 THE MIDFIELD PROBLEM CANNOT BE IGNORED
Liverpool’s midfield has already attracted criticism.
The 0-0 draw with Fulham exposed concerns about creativity and energy in the middle of the pitch, particularly with Alexis Mac Allister absent. The Reds struggled to control the game and failed to consistently create clear chances.
And this is where Iraola’s biggest test may lie.
You can have Wirtz operating between the lines.
You can have Isak running behind defenders.
You can have Barcola attacking from wide areas.
But if the midfield cannot consistently supply them, Liverpool become predictable.
And when Liverpool lose the ball, the midfield must also be capable of stopping the counterattack.
That is the fine line Iraola must master. ⚠️
🔥 BUT THERE IS STILL A LOT TO LIKE
It would be unfair to suggest everything is falling apart.
Far from it.
Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola, and there have already been moments suggesting that his ideas can work.
The comeback against Atlético Madrid was particularly encouraging.
The victory at Ipswich showed how devastating Liverpool can be when their attacking pieces click.
And Iraola has already demonstrated that he is willing to make tactical changes rather than stubbornly sticking to one plan.
That’s important.
Because this isn’t necessarily a broken Liverpool team.
It could simply be a team still learning how to play together.
😳 AND THAT’S WHY THE PRESSURE IS SO INTERESTING
Liverpool supporters don’t necessarily expect perfection immediately.
But they do expect signs of progress.
They want to see Wirtz influencing matches.
They want Isak receiving service.
They want Barcola running at defenders.
They want Liverpool’s midfield to control games.
And above all…
They want to know what Iraola’s Liverpool is supposed to look like.
Right now, that picture is still developing.
The manager has already shown he can react during matches.
Now he needs to prove he can build a consistent system capable of surviving the Premier League’s brutal schedule, Champions League football and the enormous expectations that come with managing Liverpool. 🔴👊
The next few weeks could therefore be crucial.
Because if Liverpool suddenly explode into life, those early draws will quickly become forgotten.
But if the attacking problems continue, the questions surrounding Iraola will become louder.
And at Anfield, once the questions start…
they don’t stay quiet for very long. 👀🔥
The pressure is rising.
The players have to respond.
The manager has to find solutions.
And Liverpool fans?
They’re watching every single move. 🍿🔴
Iraola’s Liverpool project has only just begun… but the real examination is already underway. 🧠🔥
For Iraola’s Liverpool
Explain the fixture-congestion effect
Compare Iraola’s pressing with Slot’s
