Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool Already Showing Signs of a New Tactical Identity

Posted : 10 August 2026

Andoni Iraola has quickly introduced his tactical philosophy at Liverpool, with the new head coach attempting to combine greater control in possession with the intense, aggressive football that defined his previous teams. The early results have been mixed, with Liverpool beating Sunderland and Wrexham but suffering defeats after surrendering two-goal advantages against Leeds and Monaco.

Liverpool have averaged 60.6% possession across their opening pre-season matches, a significant increase on the possession figures recorded by Iraola's Bournemouth side last season.

The higher share of the ball presents a different challenge for the Spaniard, as opponents are expected to defend deeper against Liverpool rather than leave space for the quick counter-attacks he previously relied upon.

In possession, Liverpool have frequently built from the back using their goalkeeper, defenders and deeper midfielders.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Trey Nyoni have dropped deeper to receive the ball before helping move play toward wide areas. Iraola's aim is often to draw opponents forward before rapidly progressing the ball and creating spaces to attack.

That approach reflects the influence of Marcelo Bielsa, who coached Iraola at Athletic Club. Liverpool's attacking structure has already featured fluid positional rotations, particularly on the flanks.

Full-backs, wingers and Florian Wirtz have regularly exchanged positions to create numerical advantages and make it difficult for defenders to identify their assignments.

The attacking freedom has produced encouraging moments, but it has also exposed Liverpool to counter-attacks.

With both full-backs pushing forward alongside midfielders and attackers, there have been occasions when only the centre-backs and a holding midfielder remain behind the ball.

Iraola's philosophy traditionally involves committing plenty of players forward, meaning his team will need to improve its counter-pressing to prevent opponents from exploiting those spaces.

Liverpool's recent collapse against Monaco underlined the issue. After taking a 2-0 lead, they eventually lost 3-2, prompting Iraola to admit that his team still has work to do. The defeat followed a similar setback against Leeds, where Liverpool also surrendered a two-goal advantage.

Defensively, Iraola has also introduced an aggressive pressing system. Liverpool have frequently formed a 4-4-2 diamond when pressing, encouraging opponents to play short before attempting to force turnovers centrally.

The system requires players to constantly cover for teammates who leave their positions to press, making Szoboszlai's role in midfield particularly important.

The Hungary captain's physical ability has allowed him to cover large areas and react quickly when teammates step out to press. His understanding of when to move forward has helped Liverpool begin implementing Iraola's defensive principles, although the system remains a work in progress.

With only a handful of pre-season matches available, it is too early to draw firm conclusions. However, Iraola's influence is already evident.

The major challenge will be finding the right balance between his trademark speed and attacking chaos and the greater control Liverpool will need against teams prepared to defend deep.

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool Already Showing Signs of a New Tactical Identity

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