Iraola's Liverpool side are still unbeaten, but six points worse off than they were at this stage last season. The 44-year-old coach has been working hard to adapt the team to his style, with a focus on intensity and hard work. "It's really intense. There's a lot of hard work and no sort of light days. Everyone's putting in 100%," said forward Lewis Koumas.
Iraola's appointment was based on his fine work at Bournemouth, where he developed young talent and implemented a structured approach to the game. At Liverpool, he has been learning on the job, adapting to the congested schedule and seeking input from other departments like the medical and fitness teams. "We have an understanding of how the first team play and key principles, like how we press, how he [Iraola] wants his number 10 to press, how he wants his number eight to press, how he wants his centre-backs to press - we mirror that absolutely," said Rob Page, who coaches Liverpool Under-21s.
Iraola's team has made the most sprints in the Premier League, but looked flat against Fulham last weekend. They face a tough test against Bournemouth this weekend, a team that has had to renovate its away changing room to comply with Europa League regulations. A win for Liverpool would be the perfect way to head into the international break.