Andoni Iraola has admitted that the revelation of Liverpool's lengthy injury list was the 'worst news' upon his arrival as the new head coach. The Spaniard, who replaced Arne Slot last month, has begun working with the majority of his squad for the first time this week at the AXA Training Centre.
Iraola's First Week on the Training Pitch
The squad, still missing the eight-strong World Cup contingent, underwent pre-season tests and regular training sessions on Thursday. Iraola expressed his eagerness to get started, stating, 'I was looking forward actually to starting the training properly. Because I have been here almost two weeks with the U21s, all the physical tests – but you want to start doing your thing. The boys are training properly, yes.'
Injury Woes: Five Senior Players Sidelined
Liverpool remain without long-term injury absentees Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni, who are following rehabilitation programmes. Iraola revealed further absentees: 'Probably the worst news when we arrived is that we have, I would say, five (senior) players injured. Even (Jayden) Danns, who couldn't start with us because he got injured with the under-21s. Obviously they are different injuries, three of them are long-term injuries, different phases. Then we have Stefan (Bajcetic) that is doing slowly, slowly better but is still not ready to train with us and waiting also for Wataru (Endo).'
Danns has been sidelined since a setback in March after returning from a six-month hamstring problem. Endo last played for Liverpool in February due to an ankle problem, which also ruled him out of the World Cup despite a brief run-out for Japan in May. Bajcetic, who underwent hamstring surgery in May 2025, missed the entire last season and has made only two appearances for Liverpool in over three years.
Pre-Season Preparations Ramping Up
The Reds are set to fly to Chicago on Monday to begin a two-week, three-game tour of the United States, intensifying their pre-season preparations. Iraola emphasized the importance of time on the pitch: 'We have our time, we have our weeks to prepare. I hope when it matters, we arrive ready.' He added, 'Nowadays players normally are very professional. They have things to do in the summer. They come normally in a good shape. Some of them are in a better shape, the other ones are still getting there.'
Implementing New Tactics
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Iraola highlighted the need to understand his players: 'Yes, I think we need them to understand what we need, to implement what we want. We also have to learn a lot from them. We have to know very well the players, where they are more comfortable, what we need to reinforce more, what we need to change. The more we can spend time here on the pitch and working with the ball is going to be better for us.'
