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Iraola identifies cause of Liverpool’s preseason struggles
15th August, 2026 03:46 PM
With just over a week until the start of the English Premier League season, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has insisted that the Reds are on the right path and will be ready for the opening matchday.
Causes of preseason struggles
However, Iraola identified the cause of his team’s pre-season struggles after seeing them fall to defeats against Leeds United (4–2) and AS Monaco (3–2) in their build-up matches.
“The problem we had—as was the case against Leeds in Chicago, was that we were not able to sustain our intensity levels. That is something that can only improve with time and a lot of hard work on the training ground,” he stated during an interview with club media on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Reason for Optimism
Despite the recent friendly results, he maintained an upbeat outlook on the squad’s overall progress heading into the new campaign.
“I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch—about the intensity, the intent, and the energy we are looking for. While it is clear that there is still room for improvement, I believe we are moving in the right direction, and I expect that growth to continue in the coming days and weeks as the season gets under way.”
The Reds’ preseason wins included victories against Wrexham AFC and a 4-2 comeback victory against Sunderland during their tour of the United States.
Finalising preparations
The Reds will complete their schedule of summer friendlies with a double-header against Como 1907 on Sunday, August 16, 2026. They will play the first clash against the Italian side behind closed doors before the second match takes place at Anfield.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the manager emphasised the importance of gaining match fitness ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
“This friendly against Como will be a very good and very important test for us as we finalise our preparations for the new Premier League season,” he stated. Despite the result, last weekend’s game against Monaco brought plenty of positives and plenty of learnings for me and my coaching staff.
“The first half, and the first 30 minutes in particular, was very pleasing. It was good to see Alexander Isak getting on the scoresheet and looking sharp, and I saw a lot of good things both with and without the ball.”
