Iraola refuses excuses after Liverpool's flat draw with Fulham

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola refused to lean on excuses following a goalless draw against Fulham, despite acknowledging his team's physical dip. While remaining unbeaten this season, the Spanish coach admitted his side lacked the necessary energy following their emotional 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

It's easy for me, for you, for everyone to say the players are tired. Definitely, there is a lack of freshness, we cannot hide it. It's the worst turnaround considering the 60 or 70 hours between games, but it will happen throughout the season and we will have to adapt to these circumstances. Andoni Iraola

The manager expressed frustration with his team's inertia in the final third against a side that had lost all three opening Premier League games. Iraola noted that this was the first occasion under his leadership where Liverpool struggled so significantly to create meaningful chances. Despite attempts from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno remained largely untroubled.

Reflecting on tactical adjustments, Iraola pointed to improvements after the break: "In the first half, we were late with our pressing. In the second, we improved that component significantly and had a better structure." Despite the lack of goals, the defensive unit held firm, with Jeremy Jacquet notably clearing a Gonzalo Garcia effort off the line.

Fulham manager and former Liverpool player Alvaro Arbeloa celebrated his first point in charge of the London side, praising his team's ambition. Looking ahead, Liverpool will travel to face Bournemouth, while Fulham hosts Manchester United.