**Iraola Weighing Player Workloads as Liverpool Prepare for Spurs Clash**
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is currently assessing his squad's ability to handle the rigorous demands of playing every three days as the team gears up to face Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday. This match comes on the heels of a mixed start to the Premier League season, where Liverpool has drawn three of their first four matches, despite securing a notable Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid.
In a press conference held on Monday, Iraola acknowledged the challenges of managing player workloads, particularly as he navigates the early stages of his tenure at Liverpool. "There are players who play every three days with no issues. They are very robust, their performances don’t change too much," he stated. However, he also noted that some players may struggle with the frequency of matches, which could affect their performance levels. "I have to learn who is ready to play games every three days and who needs a rest so their performance level isn’t affected," he added.
Iraola highlighted the importance of understanding the unique needs of his players. He mentioned that experienced players, such as captain Virgil van Dijk, have demonstrated their ability to cope with the demanding schedule. "Virgil can do it, because he has done it before, he has the experience and his performance isn’t so affected," Iraola explained. In contrast, he expressed that younger players and recent signings may require more time to assess their readiness for such a rigorous schedule. "With the younger ones and those coming from abroad, there are some question marks, for them and for me and everyone. We will have to study it case by case," he said.
Looking ahead to the cup tie against Spurs, Iraola hinted at potential changes to the starting lineup. Notably, summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to make his debut in goal, stepping in for first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker. "I think there are few doubts with Becker, he’s playing very well," Iraola acknowledged. "I rate Giorgi very highly, I know him from Spain. We tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here. For me, he’s a very good keeper and he’s going to start tomorrow."
In terms of player availability, Iraola provided an update on the injury front, confirming that defender Joe Gomez has returned to training and will be available for selection against Tottenham. However, Conor Bradley remains sidelined due to injury.
As Liverpool prepares for this crucial encounter, Iraola's focus on player management and strategic lineup decisions will be key in navigating the challenges of a busy fixture schedule. The match against Tottenham Hotspur not only represents an opportunity for the team to progress in the League Cup but also serves as a critical moment for Iraola to further evaluate his squad's capabilities and readiness for the season ahead.