Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool’s forwards to work themselves to exhaustion during the game rather than try to last the full 90 minutes.
The manager believes defenders are better equipped to complete matches without being replaced, whereas attacking players can have greater impact by playing at full intensity before being subbed off.
“For me, wingers, forwards, I always tell them that they don’t need to give us 90 minutes,” Iraola said. “I tell them it is good news when they are exhausted because then we have taken everything from you and someone else will come in.”
The Liverpool manager added: “Once you are done, we can change you. I think it’s the best way, and they all have to understand it like this.”
This can of course only work by having more options, but Victor Munoz is so far the only addition to Liverpool’s forward line after joining from Osasuna for £34.5m.
The club are set to complete the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, however, and Iraola hopes they can add another winger before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Munoz made an impression on the manager as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend. Iraola said the 23-year-old can play on either flank and praised his work rate and attitude as he settles into a new club and country.
“It’s early for him in terms of him not being able to speak the language, and he needs to get a better relationship with teammates, but I like his attitude,” Iraola said. “He works very hard. He is ready to play right side, left side, and he impacted the game the other day.”
Iraola’s side faced Newcastle at St James’ Park last week. He will take charge of his first competitive match at Anfield when they play Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
“I think there will be an emotional part that is going to be probably only for me,” he said. “I know it’s my first game but I will not be trying to think too much about those things.”
