Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has stated that his team cannot sustain their desired performance level for an entire match, following a 3-2 pre-season loss to Monaco at Anfield. This marks the second consecutive game where Iraola’s side relinquished a two-goal lead.
The match against Monaco was Iraola’s first home game in charge, drawing a sell-out crowd. Despite the initial excitement for the new era, Iraola noted similarities to their previous game against Leeds, where the team also struggled to maintain their intensity.
Squad Depth and Defensive Concerns
Iraola highlighted concerns about squad depth, particularly after making several substitutions during the Monaco match. He told LFC TV, “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.”
The question of who will partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back remains as the Premier League season approaches. Van Dijk returned to action against Monaco alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo after an extended post-World Cup break. He started the game with 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who is expected to go on loan due to work permit issues. The team finished the match with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo playing in central defence.
Ronald Araujo, 27, underwent a medical on Sunday, with his season-long loan move from Barcelona, which includes an option to buy for around £47.2m, nearing completion. Additionally, Jeremy Jacquet, 21, who joined from Rennes, has not yet participated in full training due to a minor knee problem, though Liverpool are optimistic he could play in their next fixture.
Iraola commented on Jacquet’s situation, stating, “Jeremy Jacquet, we were in doubt whether to put him in. We decided not to, but he should be fine for the next one. It’s taking a bit more time than we were expecting.”
Isak and Wirtz Partnership Shows Promise
Despite the defeat, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak offered optimism. The duo, who were acquired last summer for a combined fee of £225m, displayed strong chemistry. Wirtz operated in the number 10 role behind Isak, and Isak scored the opening goal with a right-footed finish.
Wirtz was noted as Liverpool’s best player on the pitch, and he appeared to score the second goal, although Isak mentioned post-match that he was unsure who got the final touch. Isak expressed his enjoyment working with Iraola, noting, “I feel like the spirit is good in the group and we’re all working hard to make things work.”
Their connection was also evident in their first pre-season outing against Leeds in Chicago. Against Monaco, they continued to create problems for the opposition, with Wirtz finding space between the lines and Isak posing a constant threat. Isak’s goal came from a pass by Ryan Gravenberch, and Wirtz scored from close range after a goalmouth scramble, with Isak providing the assist.
Victor Munoz, a summer signing, made his first appearance at Anfield, receiving a warm reception. The 23-year-old forward, who was part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup, joined the team after cutting short his post-tournament holiday. He played on the left wing, showing promising moments, including using his speed to deliver a cross.
Youngsters Lewis Koumas, 20, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, were included in the starting XI against Monaco. Koumas, who started on the right wing, was consistently involved in attacking play and provided the cross that led to Wirtz’s goal. Koumas is expected to remain with Liverpool for a few more weeks before a decision is made on his future.
Liverpool has two remaining pre-season matches, a double-header against Como on 16 August.
Source: bbc.co.uk