Andoni Iraola admitted his Liverpool side could not maintain their level for a full match, after watching them throw away a two-goal lead for the second game running. The manager’s first home match in charge, played in front of a sell-out crowd at Anfield, ended in defeat by Monaco despite an encouraging start.
Iraola points to fatigue after changes
Speaking to LFC TV after the match, Iraola said the display was similar to the game against Leeds. He said Liverpool played a good first half, particularly a strong opening 30 minutes, but lacked the levels required to sustain that for longer. He explained that once substitutions were made, players began to tire and the team could not keep up the required intensity, adding there is work to do.
Liverpool have won two and lost two of their pre-season matches so far. Iraola has two pre-season games remaining, a double-header against Como on 16 August, before the Premier League campaign begins at Newcastle.
Centre-back options unclear as deals progress
Questions remain over who will partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back for the visit to Newcastle. Van Dijk returned against Monaco after an extended post-World Cup break, alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo. He started the match alongside 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who will have to go on loan this season because of work permit issues. Liverpool finished the game with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo at centre-back.
Ronald Araujo, 27, completed his medical on Sunday as his season-long loan move from Barcelona, which includes an option to buy for around £47.2m, nears completion. Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has yet to be involved in full training since his move from Rennes. Jacquet suffered a shoulder injury in February and has recently struggled with a minor knee problem. Iraola said the club decided not to involve Jacquet in this match but expects him to be fine for the next one, adding that his return is taking a bit more time than expected.
Wirtz and Isak offer promise going forward
Despite the defeat, the performances of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who joined last summer for a combined fee of £225m, gave cause for optimism. The pair combined well, with Wirtz playing behind Isak in the number 10 role. Isak scored the first goal with a right-footed finish, and Wirtz was described as Liverpool’s best player on the pitch.
It appeared Wirtz had scored a second goal, following his effort against Leeds in Chicago the previous weekend, but Isak told reporters afterwards that neither player was sure who got the final touch. Isak said he and Wirtz agreed they both got a touch on the ball, but he did not know who got the first or last one. Asked about working under Iraola, Isak said the spirit in the group is good and that everyone is working hard to make things work, adding they will make sure they are ready for the start of the season.
