Liverpool’s frustrating goalless draw with Fulham has exposed another challenge for Andoni Iraola: consistency.
The Reds looked short of ideas at Anfield on Saturday, producing a flat performance just days after their impressive comeback victory over Atletico Madrid.
For Iraola, the result was a clear setback.
Liverpool had appeared to be building momentum after victories over Ipswich and Atletico. However, their display against Fulham offered a reminder that adapting to a new style will not happen overnight.
Iraola admitted the frustration around Anfield was understandable, revealing that Saturday’s performance was perhaps the most disappointing he has experienced since replacing Arne Slot this summer.
“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.”
That consistency could prove crucial as Liverpool prepare to navigate a demanding period on four fronts.
Their next test comes quickly, with Tottenham travelling to Anfield on Tuesday night for a Carabao Cup clash.
Iraola is expected to make significant changes to his starting XI, but the Liverpool boss admits he is still learning which players can cope with the relentless schedule.
Some members of the squad can comfortably play every three days without seeing their performances drop. Others require careful management to remain at their best.
“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.”
For Liverpool, the challenge is now about responding.
The Fulham draw may have halted their momentum, but Iraola knows one disappointing performance cannot derail the bigger process.
His message is clear: Liverpool must accept the bumps while continuing to move towards the football they showed against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.
The real test now is whether they can turn those flashes into a consistent identity.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
