Andoni Iraola's first pre-season at Liverpool was characterised by sweeping change, from a new head coach to a new investment deal, as the club prepares for the Premier League season. The Basque coach was confirmed as Arne Slot's successor nearly two and a half months ago, tasked with injecting a more urgent and aggressive playing style into a squad that finished fifth last season.
While Iraola's methods are beginning to translate, it would be wrong to suggest Liverpool are now purring like a team who will rival Arsenal for the title. Expecting almost overnight results after last season's despondency would be unfair on Iraola, but some elements across pre-season suggest it is going to be a fun watch under his guidance.
Pre-season tour and training intensity
Liverpool flew to Chicago for a two-week Stateside trip, choosing to stay in one base and fly in and out for games against Wrexham and Leeds United, maximising training time. Iraola made the most of the time in Illinois, with players speaking enthusiastically about the intensity of sessions at Chicago Fire's Endeavour Health Performance Centre.
Milos Kerkez said: "What makes him a special coach? The intensity. It’s the intensity. He’s not scared to play one-on-one all over the pitch, to press high and to be on the front foot always." Alexander Isak added: "It is early days but the training has felt good. We all like his game ideas, it feels positive but there is still a long way to go."
Mixed results and new investment
Liverpool won 4-2 against Sunderland in Nashville and 1-0 over Wrexham in New York, but lost 4-2 to Leeds in Chicago after leading 2-0 at half-time. The game was overseen by swimming legend Michael Phelps. In a brief chat with reporters, FSG president Mike Gordon confirmed he was due to meet Iraola for the first time at the Leeds game.
News of FSG striking a deal with Amit Bhatia's consortium, which includes Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, became public during the tour. Liverpool had been valued at £5.5billion, meaning the agreement, understood to be worth 30%, was in the region of £1.65billion. The deal is remarkable for Fenway, who retain the overriding say at Anfield nearly 16 years on from their £300m purchase.
Transition and key concerns
Liverpool have no replacement for Mohamed Salah, and their midfield blend remains in question. The addition of Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona firms up the centre-back department, and Jeremy Jacquet's delayed debut in a 2-0 win over Como suggested he can be an important player this season. Iraola said: "The most important thing that we can deliver is our performances. It doesn't matter if I speak well... At the end people just want to see the team play well and deliver good results."
From the dressing room to the boardroom, Liverpool are now fully in the grip of a transition period. Iraola might look at the positives from the summer and conclude that this needn't be viewed in negative terms.
