Let me tell you something that’s been gnawing at me since the first Iraola game I watched: football is no longer just about winning. It’s about how you win, and more importantly, how you fail while trying to win. Take Liverpool under Iraola—their pre-season performances have been a masterclass in contradictions. They’ve beaten Sunderland and Wrexham, sure, but they’ve also thrown away leads against Leeds and Monaco. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it’s not just about the results. It’s about the style they’re forcing through, and whether that style is sustainable. I’ve seen too many managers try to impose a ‘philosophy’ without considering the practicalities of Premier League survival. Iraola’s approach feels like a gamble, but one that’s rooted in something deeper than just tactics.
Here’s the thing: Iraola isn’t trying to be Jurgen Klopp. He’s trying to be Marcelo Bielsa. That’s not just a name drop—it’s a full-on tactical inheritance. The man who once coached Iraola at Athletic Club is now a ghost haunting Anfield. Bielsa’s influence is everywhere, from the chaotic attacking triangles to the relentless pressing. But here’s where it gets interesting: Bielsa’s teams are known for their intensity, but also their vulnerability. Iraola’s Liverpool are already showing signs of that. They’re pushing seven players forward, leaving three behind. That’s a recipe for disaster if the counter-press isn’t perfect. And let’s be honest—it’s not perfect yet. The loss to Monaco was a wake-up call. Iraola himself admitted they ‘can’t sustain the level we want.’ That’s not just a polite observation—it’s a warning.
What many people don’t realize is that Iraola’s style is a reaction to the modern game’s obsession with possession. Liverpool averaged 60.6% possession in pre-season, a 12.9% jump from Bournemouth under Iraola last season. But here’s the catch: possession without purpose is just a numbers game. Teams sit deep, and suddenly, having the ball becomes a liability. Iraola’s solution? Build up short, entice pressure, then launch forward passes. It’s a clever idea, but it’s also a high-risk strategy. If the press fails, you’re left with a midfield that’s too deep and a defense that’s too exposed. I’ve seen this before—teams that prioritize style over structure end up getting punished by faster, simpler sides. Will Liverpool be any different?
Let’s talk about the wide triangles. Iraola’s system relies on fluidity between full-backs, wingers, and midfielders. On the left, we’ve seen Cody Gakpo and the full-backs overlapping, creating chaos. Florian Wirtz drifting into that space as a ‘number 10’ adds another layer. It’s beautiful in theory, but it’s also a nightmare for defenders. Opponents can’t track these rotations, and that’s exactly what Iraola wants. But here’s the rub: this kind of attacking freedom requires perfect coordination. One misstep, and the entire system collapses. I’ve watched enough football to know that perfection is rare, especially in the early stages of a new season. Iraola’s players are still figuring out their roles, and that’s a problem. When you’re trying to reinvent a team’s identity, you need time. Time they might not have.
And then there’s the defensive dilemma. Iraola’s high press is a double-edged sword. Szoboszlai’s role as the second central midfielder is crucial—he’s the linchpin of the press. But when he jumps forward, gaps open up behind him. That’s where the holding midfielder and defenders have to compensate. It’s a delicate balance, and right now, it feels like Liverpool are teetering on the edge. I’ve seen this before with Bielsa’s teams. The press is intense, but it’s also fragile. If the players aren’t in sync, it’s a disaster. Iraola’s insistence on ‘intensity’ is admirable, but it’s also a gamble. Can Liverpool’s players handle the mental and physical demands of this system? Or will they crack under pressure?
What this really suggests is that Iraola is playing a long game. He’s not here to win the Premier League next season. He’s here to rebuild a culture, to instill a new way of thinking. That’s why the losses to Leeds and Monaco are so important—they’re not setbacks; they’re lessons. Iraola’s Liverpool are still in the process of becoming. The question is whether the fans will have the patience to wait. Because if they don’t, this experiment could end in disaster. But if they do? We might be witnessing the birth of a new era. One where football isn’t just about results, but about the art of the game. And that, personally, is what excites me most.
