Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield on Sunday, a result that left manager Andoni Iraola openly concerned about his side’s ability to maintain intensity across a punishing schedule.
Coming just 60 hours after a strong Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, the Reds looked short of energy and ideas. Although they kept a clean sheet, clear-cut chances were scarce against a well-organised Fulham side.
Iraola did not hide his disappointment. He said his players started slowly and lacked the quality needed in the final third. The short turnaround forced several changes to the starting XI, with the manager citing physical fatigue as the main reason.
The fixture list offers little respite. Tottenham await in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, another quick turnaround that will further test the squad’s depth and recovery.
Iraola also updated supporters on Bradley Barcola, noting that the new signing is still building match fitness. He stressed, however, that the freshness problem is squad-wide rather than limited to one player.
Despite remaining unbeaten under Iraola, Liverpool have already dropped more domestic points than expected. The absence of the attacking sharpness that once defined the side — particularly following Mohamed Salah’s departure — is becoming an increasing concern.
With a demanding run of matches still to come, the manager’s priority is clear: find a way to manage minutes, restore energy levels, and rediscover a cutting edge before the next test against Tottenham.
