Andoni Iraola has been tasked with putting Liverpool back atop the English pyramid after replacing Arne Slot. However, his methods could have an adverse effect in attempting to improve the team's concerning reputation for conceding late goals.
Liverpool set a new benchmark for games lost either in or after the 90th minute last season. No fewer than five of the club's league losses were decided in stoppage time, the most by one team in a single campaign in the Premier League era.
Except Iraola's high-press approach promises to have its own impact in draining energy levels heading into those key closing stages. Left-back Milos Kerkez has gone into detail regarding the higher demand of Iraola's playbook and how it's real test on fitness levels.
Kerkez on Iraola's demanding style
"I mean, it's a big difference, obviously," said Kerkez following Sunday's 2-0 friendly victory over Como. "We play really aggressive. We need to run a lot more. It is good. It is tough, but if you want to compete at the top, you need to do that in the Champions League, the Premier League.
"You can see I have more freedom to fly up and down. I'm really running more, with more freedom, putting more balls into boxes. The manager gave me confidence when I was in Bournemouth. We all have to do what he tells us to do. Play aggressive, front-foot, so we need to continue."
Yet despite playing in Iraola's system at Bournemouth in the past, even Kerkez is struggling to keep up as things are. And the Hungarian described how fatigue is a very pertinent factor as a result of the new boss' methods.
"Today is the first time playing 90 minutes [this summer]," he continued. "I felt a bit in the legs at, I would say 70, 70-something [minutes], but it's good to get the whole 90 minutes today."
Pre-season signs of late-game lapses
There have been familiar signs of the same lack in game management during pre-season. Liverpool led Monaco 2-0 in a friendly at Anfield earlier this month before allowing their French guests back into the game and sealed a 3-2 defeat after Paris Brunner scored in the 88th minute.
The Reds also led Leeds 2-0 at the hour mark in Chicago before allowing three goals in 13 minutes. The 4-2 loss was well and truly sealed when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his second of the game with just five minutes of normal time to go.
Those results in particular hint at a drop in standards in the second halves of games. However, the hope among Liverpool fans will be that fitness levels and familiarity with tactics improve to the point where that is no longer the case.
Liverpool will be served a tough test on the opening weekend as they prepare to visit Newcastle on Sunday. And supporters will witness the fruits of Iraola's labour over the summer months, the only question being whether it will last for the full 90.
