Liverpool’s goalless draw against Fulham exposed more than just a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. According to head coach Andoni Iraola, the problem runs deeper, with the team’s forwards needing to contribute more to the overall defensive structure.
The Reds were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in a performance Iraola described as a step backwards.
While much of the discussion focused on Liverpool’s midfield, particularly the struggles of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai in individual duels, Iraola believes it would be too simple to blame the midfield alone.
For the Liverpool boss, the way the forwards press and support their teammates has a direct impact on how well the midfield and defense can perform.
Andoni Iraola Says Liverpool’s Problem Starts Further Forward
Liverpool’s midfield had a difficult time against Fulham, with Gravenberch winning just two of his five duels and Szoboszlai winning only one of nine.
Those numbers underline the difficulties Liverpool experienced when competing for possession and trying to control the middle of the pitch.
However, Iraola believes the midfielders need more support from the players around them.
“The problem is not only in midfield. When we play well as a team, the midfielders also play better and can win more balls. They need support from other players to win the duels,” Iraola said.
His assessment highlights an important part of Liverpool’s tactical structure.
Winning midfield battles is not simply about the ability of individual midfielders. The positioning and work rate of the forwards can determine how much pressure the opposition faces before the ball reaches the middle of the pitch.
Liverpool’s Forwards Have a Bigger Role to Play
Iraola stressed that the work done by Liverpool’s attacking players can influence the performance of the entire team.
When the forwards press effectively, opponents have less time and space to build attacks. That can allow Liverpool’s midfielders to move into better positions and compete for possession under more favorable circumstances.
The same principle applies to the defenders.
If Liverpool’s front players successfully prevent the opposition from progressing the ball easily, the back line has a better chance of defending with the team structure intact.
But when the forwards fail to apply enough pressure, the situation can quickly become more difficult.
Opponents can find themselves attacking Liverpool’s midfield and defense with greater freedom, creating more situations where defenders are forced into individual battles.
Iraola therefore sees Liverpool’s issue as a collective problem rather than one that can be solved by simply changing one player.
Why Individual Changes May Not Be Enough
One of the key messages from Iraola’s assessment is that Liverpool cannot expect a single personnel change to immediately fix the problem.
The team needs greater cooperation between its different areas.
The forwards, midfielders and defenders must work together to ensure Liverpool maintains the right positions and applies pressure at the appropriate moments.
The priorities are clear:
- Forwards need to contribute more during pressing.
- Midfielders need support when competing for possession.
- Defenders need protection from pressure further up the pitch.
- The entire team must maintain better positioning.
- Liverpool need to recover possession in more advanced areas.
That collective approach could be particularly important after the disappointing result against Fulham.
Iraola Prepares Changes for Tottenham Test
Liverpool now have an opportunity to respond quickly when Tottenham travel to Anfield for the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Iraola is expected to make changes to his starting lineup.
The combination of Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz may not start together this time.
Trey Nyoni is also in contention to start in midfield, while Iraola has confirmed that Giorgi Mamardashvili will replace Alisson in goal.
Mamardashvili is a familiar name to Iraola. The goalkeeper was previously a player the coach wanted to recruit during his time at Bournemouth.
The Carabao Cup tie could therefore provide Liverpool with an opportunity to freshen up the lineup while also addressing some of the tactical concerns that emerged against Fulham.
Liverpool Need to Win the Ball Higher Up
Another issue identified by Iraola was Liverpool’s position when recovering possession.
The coach noted that Liverpool were winning the ball in their own defensive area more frequently than they had in previous matches.
That difference is significant.
For a team looking to control games through pressure, winning possession closer to the opponent’s goal can create a much more dangerous situation. It gives the attacking players a shorter route to goal and can put the opposition under immediate pressure.
Recovering the ball deep inside Liverpool’s own half, meanwhile, means the team still has considerable ground to cover before creating an attacking opportunity.
It can also expose the midfield and defense to repeated pressure if possession is quickly lost again.
For Iraola, improving Liverpool’s pressing structure could therefore be just as important as improving their attacking output.
A Step Backwards, but Also a Tactical Warning
The 0-0 draw with Fulham was Liverpool’s third draw in four Premier League matches, making the result particularly frustrating for a team looking for greater consistency.
Iraola’s comments suggest that the solution will require more than simply demanding better performances from Gravenberch, Szoboszlai or the defenders.
The coach wants Liverpool to function more effectively as one unit.
The forwards have an important responsibility in that process. Their pressing can help midfielders win duels, while their positioning can give defenders greater protection when Liverpool lose possession.
That is why Iraola believes the problem cannot be reduced to one position.
Liverpool’s next challenge against Tottenham offers an immediate chance to make adjustments. With potential changes to the lineup and a different competition providing the backdrop, the Reds can look for a response.
For Iraola, however, the bigger objective remains clear: Liverpool must become more effective as a team, particularly when trying to recover possession.
If the forwards can provide the pressure and support he expects, the midfield and defense could benefit as a direct consequence.
And that may be the key to getting Liverpool back on track.
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