Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated that his squad is progressing positively as the new season approaches. The team is set to conclude its pre-season friendly schedule with two matches against Como 1907 on Sunday. These fixtures represent the fifth and sixth under Iraola’s management, with the Premier League opener against Newcastle United scheduled for a little over a week away.
In his notes for Sunday’s matchday programme, Iraola described the upcoming games as a “very good, and very important, test” for the team’s final preparations. He acknowledged that despite the outcome, the recent match against Monaco offered valuable insights and positive aspects, particularly during the first 30 minutes of the first half. Iraola noted the performance of Alexander Isak, who scored and appeared sharp, and observed several positive elements in the team’s play both with and without the ball.
Pre-season Performance and Squad Development
A recurring challenge identified by Iraola has been the team’s inability to maintain performance levels consistently, a issue also observed in the match against Leeds in Chicago. He attributes this to factors that require time and dedicated effort on the training ground. Iraola has frequently articulated his vision for the team, emphasising intensity, intent, and energy. While acknowledging that significant improvement is still needed, he believes the team is “moving in the right direction” and anticipates continued progress in the coming days and weeks as the season commences.
The return of Alexis Mac Allister to the AXA Training Centre on Monday means that all players are now back with the squad following the World Cup, which Iraola views as highly beneficial. He expressed confidence in the squad’s quality and potential, stating that the focus is now on demonstrating this consistently.
From a personal standpoint, Iraola conveyed his gratitude for the reception he received last weekend, describing it as meaningful. He expressed hope that the team can provide enjoyable moments for supporters, both in the upcoming matches and beyond.
New Arrival and Injury Updates
Liverpool has also strengthened its squad with the addition of Ronald Araujo, a defender from FC Barcelona, who joined on a season-long loan deal on Monday. Iraola expressed his satisfaction with the signing, highlighting Araujo’s quality and experience, and anticipates that he will quickly integrate and positively impact the squad.
The team has been managing several injury concerns in central defence. Virgil van Dijk was noted as the sole fit centre-back at one point. Jacquet has been dealing with an unspecified issue, which led to his absence from the 3-2 defeat by Monaco. Jacquet, who joined for £60 million from Rennes, had his previous season cut short by a shoulder problem and had not featured in pre-season until recently returning to team training ahead of the Como fixture. Iraola is reportedly being cautious with his new signing.
Other players recovering from injuries include Giovanni Leoni, who sustained an ACL injury last year, and Joe Gomez, who suffered a muscle injury during the 4-2 win over Sunderland, which is expected to affect his start to the season. Youngsters Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Talla Ndiaye have participated in pre-season, as has Luke Chambers. Ibrahima Konate departed the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid. Curtis Jones has been hampered by a hip injury but has returned to training after missing the Monaco match. Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, both World Cup participants, are having their fitness levels monitored after their national teams reached the final. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are longer-term absentees due to knee and Achilles injuries, respectively. Alisson, the first-choice goalkeeper, returned to action against Monaco.
The two matches against Como 1907 on Sunday will include one played behind closed doors and another with a 6pm BST kick-off at Anfield.
Source: liverpoolfc.com