Andoni Iraola's tenure at Liverpool has been a fascinating journey so far, marked by a blend of style and pragmatism. The Spanish coach, known for his 'heavy metal' football, has been tasked with continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Arne Slot, who won the Premier League with the Reds. Iraola's approach, however, is not just about winning; it's about how the team plays and the style that fans have come to love.
One of the key observations is Iraola's commitment to his style while adapting to new challenges. Liverpool's pre-season games have showcased a team that averages 60.6% possession, a significant jump from Bournemouth's average possession under Iraola in the league last season. This shift in possession-based play is a new challenge for Iraola, as teams are more likely to sit deep against Liverpool, requiring a more deliberate approach to ball retention.
Iraola's tactics in possession, however, remain largely unchanged from his previous sides. Liverpool builds up short with the goalkeeper, four defenders, and one or two central midfielders deep. This approach, combined with fast and vertical counter-attacks, is designed to entice opposition pressure before accelerating play. Once a team commits players to pressing Liverpool, Iraola's men look for forward passes readily, almost manufacturing their own counter-attacks.
What makes Iraola's approach particularly fascinating is his influence from Marcelo Bielsa, his long-time managerial inspiration. Bielsa's teams are known for their dynamic and chaotic style, and Iraola has acknowledged this influence. The Argentine's teams encourage players to make all the runs to the space, and Iraola has implemented this in his own sides. This style of play, however, leaves Liverpool top-heavy, with both full-backs joining the attack alongside two of the midfield three and the front three.
This top-heavy approach can result in situations where only the two centre-backs and one holding midfielder are positioned behind the ball, leaving Liverpool vulnerable to counter-attacks. Iraola has spoken about the need for more control while retaining the chaos that makes his team's attacks so effective, suggesting that he may adjust his tactics as the season progresses.
In conclusion, Andoni Iraola's tenure at Liverpool has been a blend of style and pragmatism. While his approach has been effective in pre-season, there are challenges ahead, particularly in managing the balance between style and pragmatism. Iraola's ability to adapt and refine his tactics will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure at Liverpool.
