Liverpool have blown hot and cold in pre-season under Andoni Iraola as they aim to shape a new era at Anfield.
However, they secured a commanding 2-0 win against Como at Anfield to step up their preparations for the new season.
The Spaniard has said several times that he wants his players to show a lot of intensity and press from the front, which is a far cry from what was the case under Arne Slot.
And despite the change in philosophy, Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are throwing too many bodies up front, which could cost them this season.
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool are ‘too attacking’
“Liverpool will be interesting this season,” said Carragher via The Overlap.
“I’m intrigued to see how it goes and what players they’re going to get and how they are going to go about the season.
“Liverpool have too many attacking players on the pitch; they just want to bomb forward. And it’s the same in pre-season at Liverpool this season – it’s just a basketball game. No top team plays football like that. I don’t believe it.
Andoni Iraola:
“I think everyone understands, every minute every action, we need the commitment. I am happy with the attitude of the players. I’m asking a little bit different for the players, they are slowly getting it. I’m happy with the attitude.”
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) August 16, 2026
“That’s one of the reasons why we brought Iraola in at Liverpool, is because he plays ‘Klopp’ football – not because he’s won lots of trophies, not because he’s managed big clubs – because he presses, they’re energetic.
“That’s the football that we want. What happens – and it happens at every club – it’ll be a cycle. We’re almost at the stage at Liverpool now where the players will get the blame – the fans want high-energy football, we’ve got a manager who’s brought that in, so if you don’t do it, it’s on you [the player].”
Carra isn’t wrong, but this was obviously going to be the case under a new manager as it takes a while for the players to buy into his philosophy.
Newcastle United at St James’ Park will be a tough first test for Iraola at Liverpool, but the Reds showed against Como that they are gelling together as a team, which is a good sign.
Virgil van Dijk explains where Jeremy Jacquet is better than Ronald Araujo for Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk explains where Jeremy Jacquet is better than Ronald Araujo for Liverpool
‘Very good’ – Andoni Iraola seriously impressed by three Liverpool players vs Como
‘Very good’ – Andoni Iraola seriously impressed by three Liverpool players vs Como