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Milos Kerkez has acknowledged that Liverpool's squad is still adapting to the high-octane style demanded by new boss Andoni Iraola, admitting the players simply cannot sustain the pressing intensity the Spaniard requires.
Iraola constructed his Bournemouth team on relentless energy, aggressive pressing and non-stop movement, yet those same principles proved difficult to implement during Liverpool's preseason, with late collapses against Leeds United and Monaco prompting the manager to concede his players had the fitness to press for only 30 minutes.
A month on and the issues continue to linger for Liverpool, who secured their first victory of the campaign on Friday at the third attempt. Following the 2–0 triumph over Ipswich Town, Kerkez confirmed those fitness worries remain a concern.
"When you press the way we do, it's quite difficult to sustain that for the entire match and all 90 minutes," he told club media. "We can manage it for the first 30 to 35 minutes and to some extent replicate that at the start of the second half, but after that it's all about staying organized and communicating with each other.
"That's something we've also identified as an area for improvement, and as defenders we're pleased with the clean sheet. We dealt well with their crosses and set pieces. Like I said, everyone was completely focused."
Iraola's Methods Starting to Take Shape
While Liverpool supporters have every reason to celebrate their first three points and maiden clean sheet of the Iraola era, it should be noted that the Reds will encounter far sterner opposition than newly promoted Ipswich.
Fans should avoid getting carried away, but Friday offered the earliest signs of Liverpool transforming into an Iraola side. There was relentless running, two early goals from Alexander Isak, and a Premier League-high sprint speed recorded by new arrival Bradley Barcola in just his first outing from the bench.
Reproducing that performance on Wednesday when Atlético Madrid visit will serve as the first genuine examination, but Kerkez insisted Liverpool are gradually beginning to understand what Iraola expects from them.
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"Yes, absolutely," he added. "I think everyone felt more comfortable on the pitch and personally, when I reflect on it, I'm becoming more involved in the play and improving.
"It's a clean sheet, and especially away from home we know how difficult it is in the Premier League. We're pleased, but we can't get too carried away—the games come every three days now and we have to focus on what's next."