Liverpool head coach, Andoni Iraola, has admitted that his side lacked freshness and attacking sharpness as they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds failed to make it three consecutive wins in all competitions after struggling to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Fulham side.
Iraola blamed the short recovery period between the fixture and Liverpool’s midweek encounter with Atletico Madrid for some of the team’s struggles, admitting that the players were not at their best offensively.
“I think there is a lack of freshness, definitely – we cannot hide it,” Iraola said. “It’s the worst turnaround in terms of 60-something hours between the games, after a very big game the other day.”
The Liverpool boss, however, acknowledged that such demanding schedules would continue throughout the season and said his team must learn to cope with them.
He also praised their defensive effort, noting that they did not concede many clear opportunities.
“It’s these kind of games that you need to win sometimes with a set-play, sometimes with the shot from the edge, sometimes from a moment of brilliance from the offensive players, and we haven’t had that today,” he said.
Iraola also defended Wataru Endo, saying the midfielder was still rebuilding his fitness after missing much of pre-season and would get his opportunities despite competition for places.
On Bradley Barcola, who made his first Premier League start on the left, he said the winger was still building his physical condition and confidence.
Liverpool improved after the interval, according to Iraola, but could not find the breakthrough.
“We haven’t scored a goal and that’s why we go with just one point,” he added.
