Kerkez says Liverpool still adapting to Iraola’s demanding pressing approach

Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez says the team is still adjusting to the intense pressing style introduced by head coach Andoni Iraola, with the demands of maintaining that approach for an entire match proving difficult.

The comments came after Liverpool recorded their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich. Kerkez said the result showed progress, while also acknowledging that the squad has not yet fully adapted to Iraola’s expectations.

Liverpool are attempting to develop a more aggressive approach without losing their defensive organisation. Kerkez’s assessment highlights the physical and tactical challenge of sustaining a high-intensity press from the opening whistle through to the final stages of a game.

The defender said the team is gradually becoming more comfortable with what Iraola requires. However, he also indicated that pressing at maximum intensity for a full 90 minutes is not always straightforward.

Liverpool’s ability to maintain that style will now face a demanding test, with the side preparing for three matches in seven days.

Their next fixture is against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. Liverpool will then play Fulham in the Premier League before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup.

That sequence will place additional demands on the squad as it continues to become accustomed to Iraola’s methods. The short turnaround between matches means Liverpool will have to manage their energy while attempting to retain the intensity expected in their pressing game.

The clean sheet against Ipswich was a significant step in that process. It was the first time Liverpool had prevented their opponents from scoring this season, and the 2-0 result provided evidence of the improvement Kerkez described.

However, the defender’s comments suggest that the team’s development remains ongoing rather than complete. Liverpool are still learning how to apply Iraola’s ideas consistently, particularly when the demands of the pressing system must be repeated across several matches in a short period.

The upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur will therefore provide an early indication of how effectively the side can balance Iraola’s preferred intensity with the practical demands of a congested schedule.

For now, Kerkez believes Liverpool are moving in the right direction. The clean sheet against Ipswich marked progress, while the team’s gradual adaptation to the manager’s instructions remains a central part of its development.