Even Liverpool's centre-backs step up: Van Dijk will follow a number ten high up the pitch, far from his goalkeeper, to keep the press on.
“Virgil van Dijk was then brave in tracking City’s number 10 high up the pitch, far from Alisson, to keep Liverpool’s pressure on.”Win it high, go straight at you before you are set: that is the plan.
“His teams press high, win the ball quickly, and attack before the opposition can reorganise.”Iraola does not need the ball: his Liverpool go direct.
“The Liverpool manager is not obsessed with his team dominating possession, which allows his side to be more direct.”They control games by going forward, not by keeping the ball.
“Es un equipo vertical que controla el juego sin amasarlo, y esa distinción explica casi todo lo que se verá en Anfield.”It is a direct team that controls the game without hoarding the ball, and that distinction explains almost everything you will see at Anfield. our translation
High pressing, direct attacks and speed down the wings: that is Iraola's Liverpool.
“Los primeros partidos ya permiten reconocer varias señas del equipo que quiere construir Andoni Iraola: presión alta, intensidad, ataques verticales y mucha velocidad por fuera.”The first games already show several traits of the team Andoni Iraola wants to build: high pressing, intensity, direct attacks and plenty of pace out wide. our translation
Iraola's Liverpool hunt the ball high up the pitch, all together.
“Iraola’s Liverpool press high, press early, and press together.”They want to get the ball forward fast, not build slowly.
“The intent behind this philosophy is to create chances through speed of transition rather than patient build-up.”Their new manager is not bothered about keeping the ball. This is a fast, direct Liverpool who hurt you in the seconds right after they win it.
“His pressing style should provide fresh energy, and with possession-heavy football not his priority, Iraola can also revive the Reds’ renowned potency on the counter-attack.”