Andoni Iraola has warned Liverpool cannot afford to ease off as they prepare to face Brighton, insisting his side must give everything to compete with the Premier League’s strongest opponents.

Liverpool host Fabian Hürzeler’s side at Anfield on Sunday, looking to build on Tuesday’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal. That comeback demonstrated their attacking resilience, but the Reds were also left needing to recover from a two-goal deficit before conceding again late on.

Iraola believes Liverpool’s approach leaves little room for players to conserve energy, particularly against opponents capable of controlling possession and pressing aggressively.

“With the way we want to play, you cannot play at 70 per cent, we need to play full gas.”

The Liverpool head coach explained that the demands of his system mean players must give everything while they are on the pitch, with substitutions providing opportunities to maintain the team’s intensity.

“I would like to say, no, we are good enough to play at 70 per cent and win games, but it’s not the case, we have to play to our very best because the teams we have in front [of us] also are very good.”

Brighton arrive at Anfield having earned praise for their performances under Hürzeler, whose side have impressed with and without possession. Iraola expects similarities between Sunday’s opponents and Villarreal, who caused Liverpool significant problems during the opening stages of their Champions League meeting.

“Probably not [too] different as the one we played against Villarreal: a team that also wants to press, wants to keep the ball, very good technically, they control all of the phases.

“Both teams will try to control the game, will try to press, will try to win our duels and it’s going to be a big challenge.”

Iraola acknowledged Brighton’s progress, describing them as “very good in every phase of the game” and among the best sides without the ball. He also believes Liverpool are in a positive position, despite their mixed results in the league at Anfield.

The Spaniard is still waiting for his first Premier League home win as Liverpool head coach. He pointed out that the team had won their three home fixtures against Atlético Madrid, Villarreal and Tottenham, but accepted that league points remain the priority wherever they are available.

“I want to win games. At home, away, we need points, wherever we can get them.

Liverpool’s next two matches after Brighton are also at Anfield, giving Iraola an opportunity to turn encouraging performances into a stronger league return in front of the home supporters.

Iraola also discussed Ryan Gravenberch’s role, having moved the Dutchman to right-back during the Villarreal comeback. With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined and Conor Bradley also unavailable, Gravenberch’s adaptability has become particularly valuable.

The Liverpool head coach was clear that central midfield remains the position he believes suits the player best.

“If you ask me what is the position that I feel like suits better to him, I think he’s like a number eight for me.”

However, he believes Gravenberch can contribute in several positions, having already used him as a defensive midfielder and right-back. The manager suggested that such flexibility would be important during a congested schedule, when injuries can force changes to the team’s structure.

“For me, he’s very valuable. This versatility in the players is very valuable, because in this schedule we have you are going to need help somewhere always.

Iraola also confirmed that Bradley Barcola had returned to normal training and was fine for Sunday, while Victor Muñoz remained a doubt because of the knock he sustained against Brentford. Dominik Szoboszlai would miss the Brighton fixture, although the midfielder was progressing towards a return to group training.

For Liverpool, the immediate challenge is to turn the energy of their European comeback into a more controlled performance in the Premier League. Iraola’s message is clear: against a Brighton side capable of matching their intensity, Liverpool cannot afford to switch off.