Iraola urged Liverpool to adapt to the busy pace of the game.

The third round of the 2026/27 English League Cup will take place, with Liverpool hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Manager Andoni Iraola stated in a press conference that his players must learn to adapt to a busier schedule.

In their earlier Premier League match in the fourth round, Liverpool could only manage a 0-0 draw at home against Fulham. After three draws and one win in their last four league games, Liverpool currently sits in eighth place in the standings.

In head-to-head records, Liverpool have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches against Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said: "I think the load of the schedule will definitely have an impact, and this is the busiest situation right now. After this game and two days of rest, we will play another game, then two days of rest, and then another game. We are really unlucky in terms of the schedule because after this game, we only have a little more rest time before our next game against Bournemouth."

“We had a slightly longer rest period between the previous match against Ipswich and the match against Atletico Madrid. If it's a four or five-day interval, everyone can clearly feel the difference compared to just two or three days, but that's how the schedule is. I think we'll have a similarly tight schedule after the international break. I remember we might have to play four matches in nine or ten days. So, we have to learn to adapt to this rhythm.”

Andoni Iraola pointed out, "We could certainly decide to field the same group of players for every game, but the problem is that there will always be times when players get tired, and the risk of injury increases accordingly. But that doesn't mean this arrangement won't work for everyone. Some players can play a game every three days without any problems; their physical condition can handle it, and their performance won't change much. But for other players, the risk is greater, and their performance will be affected."

“We are still in the process of exploring. I need to determine which players can play three or four games in a row with a game every two or three days, and which players need to rest to ensure that their performance is not affected. For some players, I already have a relatively clear judgment in mind, but for others, this is a new experience because they have never played so many games before. So, we are still in the process of learning and understanding.”

Andoni Iraola also said, "I think there's not much doubt about Alisson's situation. He has proven himself and performed very well. I also value Mamadashvili very much. I've known him for many years and know about his performance when he played in Spain."

“I also told him before that we tried to sign him when we were at Bournemouth before I came here. He is a very good goalkeeper and he will start tomorrow.”

Image source: Internet