Iraola assesses squad depth after Monaco fixture
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has acknowledged that his squad may not be able to maintain its desired performance level for an entire match, following a 3-2 pre-season loss to Monaco at Anfield. The match saw Liverpool surrender a two-goal lead, a situation Iraola noted was similar to a previous fixture against Leeds.
Iraola stated that the team likely lacks the necessary depth to sustain high-level play for a full game, particularly after making substitutions. He highlighted that players began to tire, impacting the team’s ability to maintain their intensity. This observation comes as Liverpool prepares for two remaining pre-season matches against Como on 16 August before starting their Premier League campaign.
The fixture against Monaco marked Iraola’s first home match in charge, drawing a sell-out crowd to Anfield. Despite the excitement for a new era, the team’s performance raised questions about squad depth, especially in central defence.
New signings and defensive concerns
The central defensive partnership for the upcoming Premier League season remains a point of focus. Virgil van Dijk returned to action against Monaco after an extended post-World Cup break, playing alongside Ifeanyi Ndukwe, an 18-year-old who will need to go on loan due to work permit issues. The match concluded with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo in central defence, underscoring the team’s current situation.
Ronald Araujo, 27, is nearing completion of his season-long loan move from Barcelona, which includes an option to buy for approximately £47.2m. He underwent his medical on Sunday. Additionally, Jeremy Jacquet, 21, who joined from Rennes, has not yet participated in full training due to a recent minor knee problem, though Liverpool is optimistic he could play against Como next weekend.
Iraola mentioned that they were hesitant to include Jacquet in the Monaco match but expects him to be ready for the next one, noting his recovery is taking slightly longer than anticipated. The arrival of Araujo offers a short-term solution for defensive concerns, while young talents like Ndukwe, Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni suggest potential long-term strength in the position.
Isak and Wirtz partnership shows promise
Despite the defeat, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak offered optimism for the season ahead. The pair, who were acquired last summer for a combined fee of £225m, displayed strong chemistry against Monaco. Wirtz operated in the number 10 role behind Isak, who scored the opening goal with a right-footed finish.
Wirtz was noted as Liverpool’s best player on the pitch and contributed to the second goal, though Isak humorously stated he was unsure who got the final touch. Their collaboration was evident throughout the first half, with Wirtz finding space and Isak posing a constant threat. This partnership had also shown promise in a previous pre-season outing against Leeds United in Chicago.
Victor Munoz, a 23-year-old summer signing and member of the Spain squad that won the World Cup, made his first appearance at Anfield against Monaco. He joined the squad at the start of the week and played on the left wing, showing promising moments with his speed. Iraola also has options in attack with Cody Gakpo’s encouraging performance and the continued pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s winger Bradley Barcola before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Youngsters Lewis Koumas, 20, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, also featured in the starting XI against Monaco. Koumas, playing on the right wing, was involved in attacking play and provided a cross that led to Wirtz’s goal. Koumas is expected to remain with Liverpool for the next few weeks before a decision is made on his future, which may depend on further attacking incomings at Anfield.
The team has two pre-season games remaining, both against Como on 16 August.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
