Liverpool supporters gathered outside Anfield to greet Andoni Iraola and his team ahead of his inaugural home match as manager.
The atmosphere was electric with a full-capacity crowd, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter with a fresh managerial leadership.
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However, for the second consecutive game, Iraola’s squad squandered a two-goal advantage—this time following a series of substitutions. It became evident that Liverpool is facing some challenges regarding squad depth.
“It was quite similar to the game we played against Leeds,” Iraola remarked during his interview with LFC TV after the match. “We had a strong first half, particularly the first 30 minutes. At the moment, we likely don’t possess the stamina needed to maintain our performance level throughout the game. The opposing team deserved the win.”
“We won our first two pre-season matches, but our last two games showed we can’t maintain the level we desire for the entire match. Once we made changes, players started to tire, and we couldn’t keep that intensity. Clearly, we have work to do.”
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Iraola is set to lead Liverpool against Como at Anfield in their final pre-season match [Getty Images]
Iraola has two remaining pre-season matches, with a double-header against Como scheduled for August 16, before the Premier League season kicks off.
In two weeks, as they commence their league campaign against Newcastle, a key query looms: who will partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense?
Together with Alisson and Cody Gakpo, Van Dijk returned to action against Monaco after an extensive break following the World Cup.
He started the match alongside 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, a promising talent who will be loaned out this season due to work permit issues. The final moments of the game saw Liverpool field Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo in the center-back positions.
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Ronald Araujo, 27, successfully completed his medical on Sunday as he nears a season-long loan from Barcelona, with an option to buy for approximately £47.2m. Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has yet to participate in full training following his transfer from Rennes.
Jacquet had a shoulder injury in February and has recently dealt with a minor knee issue; however, Liverpool is optimistic he could feature next weekend against Como.
“Jeremy Jacquet was a question mark for this match,” Iraola stated. “We chose not to include him, but he should be fit for the next one. His recovery is taking a bit longer than we anticipated.”
Wirtz and Isak showcase potential for the future
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool in record-breaking transfers last summer [Getty Images]
In his program notes, Iraola emphasized his goal of creating a team with which fans can connect and take pride. He conveyed that this friendly match would be a crucial step towards that vision.
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Despite the defeat to Monaco, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who were acquired for a total of £225m last summer, instilled optimism for the upcoming season.
The duo showed great synergy, with Wirtz playing behind Isak in a central role. Isak opened the scoring with a skillful right-footed shot.
Wirtz was Liverpool’s standout performer and appeared to have netted a second goal, only for Isak to claim he was uncertain who touched the ball last.
“I think Flo and I both made contact with the ball; honestly, I can’t recall who got the initial or final touch,” Isak shared with LFC TV.
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Reflecting on his collaboration with Iraola, Isak noted: “It’s going really well. The atmosphere within the group is positive, and we are all committed to making this work. We’re gearing up to ensure we’re ready for the season opener.”