Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has acknowledged concerns regarding his squad’s ability to maintain high performance levels throughout a full match, following a 3-2 pre-season loss to Monaco at Anfield. The match, Iraola’s first home game in charge, saw Liverpool surrender a two-goal lead after making several substitutions.
Iraola noted similarities to a previous pre-season fixture against Leeds, stating that the team currently lacks the sustained level required for an entire game. He highlighted that players become fatigued after changes, impacting the team’s ability to uphold their desired performance. The manager indicated that there is significant work ahead for the squad.
Squad Depth and Defensive Reinforcements
The match against Monaco, which was a sell-out crowd, marked the second consecutive game where Liverpool lost a two-goal advantage. This has brought the team’s squad depth into focus. Iraola still has two pre-season matches remaining, a double-header against Como on 16 August, before the Premier League season commences with an away fixture at Newcastle.
A key question for the upcoming season is who will partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Van Dijk, along with Alisson and Cody Gakpo, returned to action against Monaco after an extended break following the World Cup. He started alongside Ifeanyi Ndukwe, an 18-year-old who is expected to go out on loan due to work permit issues. The game concluded with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo playing at centre-back.
Ronald Araujo, 27, underwent a medical on Sunday as his season-long loan move from Barcelona, which includes an option to buy for approximately £47.2m, nears completion. Additionally, Jeremy Jacquet, 21, who joined from Rennes, has not yet participated in full training due to a shoulder injury sustained in February and a recent minor knee problem. Iraola expressed optimism that Jacquet could be available for the upcoming match against Como.
Victor Munoz, a summer signing, made his first appearance at Anfield against Monaco. He joined the squad at the beginning of the week after cutting short his post-World Cup holiday. Munoz is a versatile forward who played on the left wing during the match. Another young player, Rio Ngumoha, also featured on the right flank.
Lewis Koumas, 20, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, both started against Monaco, having made strong impressions during the US tour. Koumas, who played on the right wing and later at number nine, is expected to remain with Liverpool for the next few weeks before a decision is made on his future. Ndukwe, an Austrian teenager, partnered Van Dijk and displayed a calm performance, but work permit issues will prevent him from playing for Liverpool this season.
Isak and Wirtz Partnership Shows Promise
Despite the defeat, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak offered a glimpse of their potential partnership. The duo, who were signed last summer for a combined fee of £225m, are expected to be integral to Iraola’s plans.
Wirtz operated in the number 10 role behind Isak, and they combined effectively. Isak scored the first goal with a right-footed finish. Wirtz was identified as Liverpool’s best player on the pitch and appeared to score the second goal, though Isak stated he was unsure who got the final touch. Their connection was also evident in their pre-season outing against Leeds United in Chicago.
Isak expressed his enjoyment of working with Iraola, noting a positive team spirit and collective effort to prepare for the season. Liverpool is reportedly still seeking to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes on September 1, with interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s winger Bradley Barcola. The club also saw an encouraging performance from Cody Gakpo against Monaco.
The team will continue their pre-season preparations with two matches against Como on 16 August.
Source: bbc.co.uk
