Andoni Iraola landed one of the most coveted jobs in football – the managerial position at Liverpool. But does he have what it takes to keep that job? And what exactly are the tactics that he’s looking to implement at Anfield?
I’ve been writing tactical analysis for over a decade, and I don’t see a reason to sugarcoat it now. Here’s how I see Liverpool’s plans working out.
Feeling inspired? Join the FootballCoin family. You’ll be able to play the most comprehensive daily fantasy football game and get rewarded when you win.
Career Prior to Managing Liverpool
Andoni Iraola was a local Basque legend, spending most of his playing career representing Athletic Bilbao.
As a coach, he rose quickly, making a name for himself in getting teams like Rayo Vallecano or Bournemouth to beat the odds and, often, beat more famous, richer opposition.
The consistency of his results at Bournemouth is what helped Iraola land a job at Liverpool. His principles regarding pressing and formation have also seemed to make for a good bit.
However, not everything that Iraola tries to implement tactically will be likely to please Liverpool fans.
Tactical Philosophy
Let’s do a quick history lesson! We only need to look back a couple of years, I promise. In fact, two years ago Liverpool were champions using Arne Slot’s tactics. Before that, the Reds ruled Europe under Jurgen Klopp’s management. But just a year into Slot’s tenure, things fell apart. The tactics, in particular, seemed to make little sense anymore.
So, what exactly is Iraola’s tactical vision?
Andoni Iraola is one of the best managers in the world at getting small teams to overachieve. He does this by implementing hard work and tactical discipline. His teams aren’t overall creative. They’re not meant to be. No, they’re designed to be efficient.
Like Jose Mourinho, right? Kind of, yes! Might not seem glamorous, but Bournemouth and Rayo were teams that pressed deep and hit teams on the counter-attack. And now, Liverpool is doing a similar thing.
Will this work with the Anfield crowd that is used to seeing a spectacle?
Formations and Adaptability
Like most managers in the Premier League, Iraola plays a 4-2-3-1 formation. This contains one pivot, one attacking midfielder, and a classic “number 9” striker.
Still, it has to be said that it’s the fine-tuning of this formation that makes Iraola’s system stand out. In attack, the formation can switch to a 4-3-3. And when needing to hold a result, except for the striker, the rest of the outfield players will just overcrowd the midfield line, with the full-backs offering width.
Let’s look closer at how this fine-tuning actually works.
Iraola’s Liverpool in Defence
I’m going to talk about Liverpool’s defence. But to do that, first, I need to mention transfers.
Liverpool’s success has coincided with the rise of Virgil van Dijk. Its biggest problem has been pairing the Dutchman with a suitable central defender. Last season, Ibrahima Konate’s performances fell below standard.
The scouting team has recognised Jeremy Jacquet, a 21-year-old French defender, as the ideal candidate. They’ve been right so far!
Jacquet is very good in the air and at blocking passing lanes. Van Dijk is also very good at passing the ball.
Whereas Van Dijk cannot track back as quickly as he once could, Jacquet is able to lift some of that weight.
Beyond that, Liverpool still plays with four defenders at the back. Pressing is once more a vital factor in the team’s style. As with Klopp’s gegenpressing, Iraola wants players to win back possession quickly and immediately launch a counterattack.
Unlike Klopp, Liverpool won’t press at all times. Instead, they’ll use specific triggers, moments in the game when the ball can be won back.
Notice also that this Liverpool doesn’t do a lot of running. This is by design. The team’s designed to patiently wait for the opportunity to win back the ball and break at speed.
Alisson is expected to continue to play precise, direct passes. The wing-backs are supposed to be attacking, strong, and capable of delivering strong passes.
Liverpool have now fully integrated Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, although their performances have been shaky. The addition of Ronald Araujo as left-back has been a huge upgrade.
Liverpool’s Build-up Play
This is a Liverpool team that likes possession, but doesn’t make it to the goal. For Iraola, it’s less about creating chances when attacking slowly, but rather not allowing the opposition opportunities. At the moment, the Reds average 58.9% possession.
Whereas someone like Mourinho implements a double pivot at Real Madrid, Iraola looks to pair one defensive player with one creative midfielder.
Ideally, this means that either Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch need to become a master of midfield interceptions. So far, the Dutch midfielder averages 1.4 interceptions per game.
This means that Dominik Szoboszlai is given additional creative freedom. The Hungarian has made 2.2 key passes per game and has an accuracy of 86%. He is the team’s creative engine.
This also means that Florian Wirtz is being played more as a shadow-striker than a playmaker. He needs to attack the spaces behind the striker. The German has had fewer dribbles and less consistency in terms of passing than last season, but his average shots per game ratio has increased.
The Reds in Attack
If there’s anything that’s become the Liverpool Brand in recent years, it’s the appetite for goal-scoring. Is Iraola going to do the same?
Yes, and no! The approach is much more measured.
Liverpool plays with a lone striker, normally Alexander Isak. When he returns to full fitness, Hugo Ekitike may challenge him for that role.
What’s the general plan for attack? Get the ball back quickly and pass it directly to the striker.
This direct build-up is precisely the reason why Wirtz is being used in a more attacking role and why the wing-back advances so high up the pitch.
Is Isaak the man for the job? Back to full fitness, he’s certainly one of the strongest candidates to fill the striker role. But while his technique and dribbling caught fans’ eye at Newcastle, Iraola now relies more on his speed, ability to find space, and finishing. His goals against Ipswich or Bournemouth came when the ball was delivered in space and at his feet.
What’s Next for Iraola and Liverpool?
Did Iraola deserve a shot at the Liverpool job? Of course! His results prove he is a masterful tactician. He is also highly ambitious.
However, this role is not one that merely rewards great football knowledge. The role involves being able to command world-famous players on a daily basis.
Furthermore, while I think that Iraola is a great manager, and I don’t say this lightly, I think that some of his more conservative tendencies will, eventually, begin to wear on Liverpool’s supporters.
It’s a moment when most Premier League teams are undergoing significant transformations. Liverpool is no exception. We may know precisely sooner rather than later if Iraola’s appointment has been a success.
