Liverpool boss Iraola demands more from forwards after Fulham draw
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineLiverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has challenged his forwards to provide greater support to the midfield after his side were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds struggled to impose themselves during the frustrating stalemate, with criticism directed at the midfield following a below-par performance.
However, Iraola said the responsibility for helping Liverpool regain possession should begin with the attacking players rather than resting solely on the midfield.
Iraola said: “We need to recover the ball as high as possible because it makes the offensive side that much easier.
“We have situations to attack in one v one.
“It’s more than the midfield.
“When we have been good collectively the midfielders have looked a lot better and recovered more balls.
“We are helping them more to win the duels.
“The ones up front do their job very well then the midfielders look good.”
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch came under particular scrutiny following the Fulham stalemate, with the midfield duo winning only three of their 14 combined duels.
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Iraola, however, stressed that Liverpool’s defensive performance should be viewed as a collective responsibility.
He said: “If we are allowing them to defend one v one all the time and we are not aggressive, then also our defenders will struggle.
“If the players ahead of you are doing the job then midfielders look better.
“It is more collective.
“That’s the help we have to give to our defenders and midfielders so everyone looks better, looks smarter and in better positions.”
Liverpool now have little time to dwell on the Premier League setback, with Tottenham Hotspur visiting Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
The fixture will be the Reds’ third match in seven days as the schedule begins to intensify.
Iraola said he remained satisfied with the depth available to him and suggested that several players could be given an opportunity against Tottenham.
He said: “I’m very happy with the squad.
“I value a lot the players we have.
“If we win games the squad looks fantastic, if we don’t win then there are problems or whatever.
“We will see tomorrow players we haven’t seen and I am looking forward to seeing them.
“They can help us and they haven’t had the chance yet.”
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