During the last match held at Anfield featuring Liverpool, players Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson said their goodbyes as the team took their final lap of honor. Meanwhile, Arne Slot sat quietly on the sidelines, marking what would be his final appearance in Liverpool. Fast forward 11 weeks, his replacement Andoni Iraola was actively engaging with the players from the edge of the technical area, providing motivation as they embarked on a new chapter. This new beginning resonated with echoes of the past, illustrated by a 3-2 defeat to Monaco that saw Liverpool lose their lead at Anfield and concede a goal from a set piece—reminders of Slot’s struggles, albeit in a less critical context.
Iraola is likely hoping that the current season will diverge from the previous one once competitive matches resume. Nevertheless, Liverpool demonstrated their ongoing need for Ronald Araujo and acknowledged that their recruiting efforts are still incomplete. They have secured a left-back to replace Robertson with former deputy Kostas Tsimikas making his comeback at Anfield. However, Salah’s former position has not yet been filled, with Lewis Koumas temporarily occupying the legendary spot on the right flank; this Welsh winger might be headed for another loan instead of a spot in the starting lineup.
Andoni Iraola still has work to do in the transfer market, as seen in his first appearance at Anfield against Monaco (PA)
His presence highlighted Liverpool’s stagnant transfer activities since the June signing of Victor Munoz. The club has not yet achieved its primary goals. They missed out on ambitious target Yan Diomande, and another key target remains unattainable due to a substantial gap between Liverpool’s valuation of Bradley Barcola and Paris Saint-Germain’s expectations. Given that PSG is seeking well over £100 million, pursuing a bid at this point seems futile.
While Liverpool has previously demonstrated a willingness to spend such amounts, their current budget appears constrained. However, their recent acquisition of two £100 million players for 2025 offers a glimmer of hope that they will perform better this season than they did last.
Alexander Isak scored only twice at Anfield during his debut season, and while a friendly goal won’t count officially, he netted one following a pass from Ryan Gravenberch. Both Isak and Florian Wirtz found the net in the same game, something they had only done once before under Slot. Wirtz scored from close range after Cody Gakpo’s header was blocked, although Isak was keen to claim the credit for the goal. Under Iraola’s guidance, Wirtz has been positioned as his No. 10, diverging from his past role that fluctuated between central and wide areas.
Alexander Isak (right) and Florian Wirtz were both on target against Monaco (Reuters)
Iraola’s approach seems clearer and more dynamic than Slot’s, which had frustrated fans at Anfield due to its passivity. Distinct differences were evident in Iraola’s debut at home. Notably, the full-backs advanced further than Gravenberch, which may benefit Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, although the latter did not start against Monaco. Iraola’s tactics demand centre-backs who are capable of one-on-one defending.
As Liverpool transformed potential victory into loss, they underscored the importance of strengthening their defensive center, which is a key aspect of their ongoing recruitment efforts. Araujo is currently undergoing a medical to finalize his unexpected loan deal from Barcelona. Young acquisitions such as Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, costing nearly £100 million in total, have yet to feature in pre-season matches. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is currently injured.
Virgil van Dijk, making his first appearance since the World Cup, displayed some rustiness, resulting in a penalty when he fouled Aleksandr Golovin, who converted it himself. Wataru Endo, who played as a centre-back in the second half, alongside Frimpong, shared the blame for conceding the equalizer to Mika Biereth.
Virgil van Dijk made his first appearance of pre-season but conceded a penalty (PA)
Endo’s robust performance in Liverpool’s successful tour of the United States was noteworthy. The towering Ifeanyi Ndukwe shone in the first half; however, he remains ineligible for competitive fixtures due to work permit issues, raising the likelihood of a loan abroad. Liverpool also has two talented 18-year-olds, Mor Talla Ndiaye and one other, suggesting a promising defensive future. Yet current concerns loom large.
Araujo would fit into the team well; at 27, he’s a suitable age between the experienced Van Dijk and younger talents like Leoni and Jacquet. Unlike Gomez, he is currently fit. Liverpool requires a transitional figure as they navigate their defensive future. Initially, they looked to Ibrahima Konate, but he sought a financial package that may have posed a dilemma if he found himself understudying Leoni and Jacquet or Ndukwe over the next few years.
Konate departed without proper farewells. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott, who had a lackluster loan at Aston Villa, returned to a warm welcome from the crowd. However, his presence may not signify a resurgence at Anfield just yet, as he was the third player deployed in the No. 10 role, following Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, who originally started in midfield.
Harvey Elliott received the warmest reception from fans when he came off the bench (Reuters)
Although Iraola made 11 substitutions, he provided further insights into his strategy. Rio Ngumoha finished the game on the right flank and may need to assume Salah’s role in key matches ahead.