League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Andoni Iraola's strategies evident in Liverpool's pre-season games

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 1:29 PM

Last updated Aug 10, 2026

Andoni Iraola's strategies evident in Liverpool's pre-season games

Summary

Andoni Iraola's tactical approach is becoming apparent as Liverpool plays pre-season matches. The team secured wins against Sunderland and Wrexham but suffered defeats to Leeds and Monaco after relinquishing two-goal leads. Liverpool has averaged 60.6% possession, a significant increase from Bournemouth under Iraola last season. The new manager aims to blend possession with an intense style, focusing on short passes to draw opponents in before creating quick counter-attacks. In these matches, Liverpool's player positioning has become top-heavy, leading to potential defensive vulnerabilities.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Liverpool won two pre-season matches but lost two after leading.
•The team averaged 60.6% possession in pre-season.
•Iraola's tactics emphasize fast counter-attacks and short build-up play.
•Player positioning has led to a top-heavy strategic structure.

Latest Updates

1:29 PMYahoo Sports — Iraola style already clear to see

What they're saying

"
Many believe Andoni Iraola's style is more aligned with the 'heavy metal' football Anfield had come to love under Jurgen Klopp. With teams more likely to sit deep against Liverpool, having lots of possession is a newer challenge Iraola has to tackle, and he has looked to do this while sticking to the intense and chaotic style that typified his previous sides. Liverpool have looked to build up short at times with their goalkeeper, four defenders and one or two central midfielders deep.
— Yahoo Sports

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Liverpool EPL Soccer