Liverpool's pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola intensifies on Tuesday as the majority of the squad report back for duty. Iraola has been overseeing recovery sessions for injured players and evaluating Academy talent at the AXA Training Centre.
Iraola's First Press Conference
Iraola will meet the media for the first time on Monday at 11am at the club's Kirkby base. Unlike Arne Slot's unveiling two years ago, where sporting director Richard Hughes was present, Iraola is expected to face questions alone amid speculation over Hughes' future. Hughes is anticipated to leave for Al Hilal after the summer transfer window, following Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football Michael Edwards' confirmed departure on Friday.
Iraola may be pressed on matters beyond his control, but with no appearances scheduled from Hughes or Edwards, he will be the sole figure providing clarity.
Iraola Evaluates Academy Talent
Earlier this week, Iraola observed Under-18s and Under-21s sessions alongside Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, Hughes, and U21s boss Rob Page. Among the standouts were 15-year-olds Joshua Abe and Luca Eden. Abe, a left-footed right winger, recently signed a new deal to fend off interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. He has been assigned squad number 40 and is expected to join the US tour, though a first-team breakthrough this season is unlikely.
Eden, a midfielder, also impressed as Iraola finalizes his squad for the Stateside trip. Liverpool fly to Chicago on July 20, with friendlies in Nashville and New York. Thursday's training session was particularly intense as players vied for remaining places on the plane.
Harvey Elliott's Role Under Iraola
Former Liverpool winger John Barnes believes Harvey Elliott will struggle to secure a starting spot under Iraola. Elliott returned from a loan at Aston Villa, where he made limited appearances due to Villa's PSR concerns and a £35m purchase clause that went untriggered. Barnes told Betfred: “He’ll be given a second chance to be a squad player... I don’t believe he would come back and break into the starting eleven under Andoni Iraola.” Barnes added that Elliott could be a valuable squad member but should seek regular football elsewhere if that is his priority.
Moses Simon Regrets Missed Liverpool Move
Nantes winger Moses Simon expressed regret over not joining Liverpool in 2018 when he was a target for the Reds. Then at Gent, Simon was valued at £10m but the move fell through; Liverpool signed Xherdan Shaqiri for £12m instead. Speaking on Urban Dwell Sport, Simon said: “Liverpool wanted to sign me... It didn’t work.” He advised young players to maintain focus regardless of transfer rumours.
Goalkeeping Coach Departure
Liverpool confirmed the departure of first-team goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero, who had returned to the club last year after previously serving under Rafael Benitez. Colin Stewart, the goalkeeper development and pathway lead, will temporarily assume the role until a permanent replacement is found.
