The transition to Iraola’s tactical blueprint appears to be gathering pace, with Kerkez noting significant improvements in how the team manages games. The clean sheet against Ipswich was a point of particular pride for the defensive unit, who had to withstand pressure after Isak’s early strikes. Kerkez explained that the team is learning when to hunt for the ball and when to hold their shape, a balance that is crucial for long-term success in the Premier League.
Kerkez elaborated on the difficulty of sustaining a high press for the full duration of a match, stating: “When you press like us, it’s a bit tough to do it for all the game and all the 90 minutes. We can do it for the first 30 to 35 minutes and in some ways we can do that in the second half at the beginning – but then it’s all about staying compact and talking to each other.”