Liverpool have recorded two wins and two losses during their pre-season campaign thus far. Fans gathered in large numbers outside Anfield to welcome new manager Andoni Iraola for his first home match in charge, creating a sell-out atmosphere filled with anticipation for the new era.
However, for the second consecutive fixture, Iraola’s side surrendered a two-goal lead following a series of substitutions. This recurring issue has highlighted a clear problem regarding the quality of the squad’s depth. “It was quite similar to the game we played against Leeds,” Iraola told LFC TV after the match.
Reflecting on the performance, the manager noted, “We played a good first half, especially a good 30 minutes. Right now we probably don’t have much more, in terms of the levels required to play like this. They deserved to turn around the game.”
Iraola added, “We won the first two pre-season games, but the last two we cannot sustain the level we want for all of the game. As soon as we made some changes, players start to get tired and we cannot sustain that level. So, we have work to do.”
Regarding how Liverpool rated in the Monaco defeat, the focus remains on the upcoming double-header against Como on 16 August, which serves as the final preparation before the Premier League season begins. With the top-flight campaign starting at Newcastle in two weeks, the identity of Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner remains a primary question.
Van Dijk made his return against Monaco alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo following an extended post-World Cup break. He started the match alongside 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, a promising talent who is expected to go on loan this season due to work permit regulations. Notably, Liverpool finished the match with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo in the heart of the defence.
Personnel reinforcements are arriving, however. Ronald Araujo, 27, completed his medical on Sunday as his season-long loan from Barcelona nears completion, featuring an option to buy for approximately £47.2m. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet is yet to participate in full training following his move from Rennes. Jacquet, who suffered a shoulder injury in February and a minor knee issue, is expected to be available for the Como fixture.
“Jeremy Jacquet, we were in doubt whether to put him in,” Iraola explained. “We decided not to, but he should be fine for the next one. It’s taking a bit more time than we were expecting.”
Despite the defeat, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak—who cost a combined £225m last summer—provided optimism. The pair combined effectively, with Wirtz operating behind Isak in the number 10 role. Isak scored the opener with a precise right-footed finish, and while Wirtz appeared to score the second, the duo remained uncertain about the final touch.
“I think we agreed that me and Flo [Florian Wirtz], we both got a touch on the ball, but honestly I don’t know who got the first one or the last one,” Isak told LFC TV. Regarding his work under Iraola, Isak added, “Really good. I feel like the spirit is good in the group and we’re all working hard to make things work. We’re going to make sure that we’re ready for the start.”
