Andoni Iraola has pointed to a problem Arne Slot found impossible to address last season: Liverpool's inability to sustain performance levels for a full 90 minutes. After Liverpool's 2-3 friendly defeat to Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, the new head coach acknowledged the team's energy drops significantly as matches progress.
Iraola's Assessment
"I think we played really good first half, especially the first 30 minutes, but right now probably we don’t have much more in terms of the level required to play like this," said Iraola. "The ones that it was their first game, or even the ones that it was their second game, they had energy. The problem is right now probably they don’t have the energy for 90 minutes and they start to get tired. It will take time with them, we need more training with them."
For the second consecutive weekend, Liverpool let slip a two-goal lead earned during an impressive first-half performance, resulting in an avoidable defeat. The raft of second-half substitutions initially suggested a lack of depth, especially in defence, with the squad missing several players and still requiring attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
A Persistent Issue
Iraola's comments highlighted a shortcoming that hampered Liverpool throughout Arne Slot's final campaign. As the Reds struggled to replicate their title-winning form, the inability to produce 90-minute performances was a recurring frustration for Slot. Pre-season preparations were affected by the death of Diogo Jota, but Slot couldn't find a solution. Liverpool were regularly outrun by opponents, a stark contrast to their energetic pressing under Jurgen Klopp and their lively play in Slot's debut season.
Iraola, appointed to bring back a front-footed, aggressive style, relies heavily on fitness and squad rotation. With the Premier League season nearly two weeks away and World Cup players behind in preparation, discrepancies are expected. New signings, including Roland Araujo on loan and interest in Bradley Barcola, may arrive close to deadline day, leaving little time for fitness work.
Looking Ahead
No player will be at peak fitness now, but Iraola's priority is unlocking the squad's physical potential. Until Liverpool can perform at the required level for a full match, there's a suspicion that different-profile players may be needed to achieve that goal.
