Liverpool now have one win and three draws from their opening four league matches. Particularly frustrating was the fact that Fulham had started the season with three defeats and picked up their first point under Álvaro Arbeloa at Anfield.
Iraola: “We struggled to create chances”
Iraola made no attempt to disguise Liverpool’s lack of attacking threat. “It was quite clear what we were missing. I think it was the first game since I arrived where we had problems creating chances, scoring goals and making the difference offensively.”
Victor Muñoz came closest in the first half when he struck the crossbar following a corner. Otherwise, Liverpool struggled to disrupt Fulham’s defensive shape. Late on, Alexander Isak headed narrowly wide from a Szoboszlai corner. Fulham, meanwhile, also had good opportunities after the break and could easily have won the game themselves.
For Iraola, the lack of freshness was particularly obvious. Just over 60 hours separated the demanding Champions League match against Atlético from kick-off against Fulham.
“Our players were tired and we cannot hide the fact that we lacked freshness. But these situations are going to happen again during the season. We have to adapt.”
On days when the team is not at its fluent best, Liverpool must find alternative ways to win, he argued: through a set piece, a shot from distance or a moment of individual brilliance from one of the attacking players. “Today, we didn’t have that moment.”
Liverpool’s press arrives too late before the break
Iraola also identified problems without the ball. In the first half in particular, Liverpool were repeatedly late to their pressing triggers. After the interval, he felt the team improved its spacing and structure and gained greater control of the game.
“In the second half I felt more comfortable. We defended better and hardly conceded any clear chances.”
Fulham’s most dangerous first-half moment came after a poor Liverpool goal kick, when Jeremy Jacquet intervened decisively to stop Gonçalo García’s effort.
Goalkeeper Alisson was nevertheless more critical of the overall performance than his coach. The Brazilian described the display as collectively poor and explicitly refused to use the short turnaround from the Atlético game as an excuse. Liverpool, he argued, must develop the mentality required to handle the demands of domestic and European competition.
Barcola still building fitness – Endo waiting for his chance
Bradley Barcola made his first Premier League start. After operating on the right against Atlético, he began this time on the left. Iraola once again stressed that he does not intend to tie his four wingers to one flank.
“They will all play on the right and on the left. It depends on the opponent, the individual match-ups, the defensive demands and where we think they can be most dangerous.”
With Barcola, there is also the issue of physical conditioning. The summer signing did not have a normal pre-season and must now build rhythm and confidence through minutes on the pitch. Iraola also made it clear that he expects considerably more from the Frenchman in the weeks ahead.
Wataru Endo, meanwhile, continues to wait for a bigger role. The Japan international also missed a large part of pre-season and faces competition in central midfield from Trey Nyoni, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Iraola praised Endo’s work in training and insisted: “He is definitely a player I like. He will have his moments.”
Iraola rejects Anfield concerns
Asked about Liverpool’s poor home record – only four Premier League wins at Anfield in 2026 so far – Iraola refused to see it as a psychological issue.
“I didn’t feel that three days ago against Atlético. I definitely prefer playing at home. We cannot look for the reasons outside. We have to find them within ourselves and on the pitch. If we get the crowd going, they will be behind us.”
Fulham boss Arbeloa, by contrast, viewed the draw as a potential turning point. After three defeats, his side had continued to believe in their approach and this time found a much better balance.
For Liverpool, the main takeaway from a goalless afternoon is that Iraola’s high-intensity style creates new challenges within a congested schedule. The next test already arrives today in the League Cup against Tottenham – and with it another immediate opportunity to respond.
