Andoni Iraola is still getting used to managing Liverpool and this is his first taste of how relentless the schedule can be, but the Spaniard is doing a good job so far

Six games in 19 days. Nine in 29. Whichever way you slice it, Liverpool is in the middle of a relentless schedule that is punctuated only by the two international breaks.

So far, though, aside from the defeat to Manchester City, which may yet not mean anything and was heavily influenced by Ryan Gravenberch's red card, Andoni Iraola's side has won four on the spin.

It was often said of Jurgen Klopp's best Liverpool teams that they were at their best when in rhythm, and given the upcoming calendar, it is a good job that the current iteration is showing similar signs.

When Iraola arrived from Bournemouth, one of the major question marks hanging over the appointment was how he would respond to playing more than one game per week.

With his previous clubs, the Spaniard did not need to manage his squad in the same way, yet his style often meant that injuries mounted up.

Given Liverpool's history of problems on that front and the Reds heading into the new campaign with a roster limited in some key areas, that was a concern.

So far, however, Iraola has appeared to have the right formula. A kind Champions League draw has helped, but the Spaniard has been mixing things up nicely.

"I think every competition is an opportunity, especially when you are the coach of Liverpool. You have to take it like this," Iraola said before his side takes on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, where more changes are expected.

"I would love to win and have the chance to get further in the competition, but I know that we have to play very well, and we have to beat a very good team.

"It's also a team that doesn't play in Europe, so for sure for them this competition is also very important. So, it's not going to be easy."

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Young players like Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas have been trusted, and while an injury crisis is only ever a couple of issues away, Liverpool looks well set as things stand.

With games against Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea all to come before Christmas, mixed in with two more European matches and a round of midweek Premier League fixtures, that will need to continue.

"The more time we stay together, the more experiences we have together," Iraola added. "The more comebacks, the more sometimes losses, the better you know each other and the easier it is to have references, to evolve."

It is early to say definitively, of course, but Iraola has been finding the right blend to cope with the games coming every three days so far. His success at Liverpool will depend on that continuing.