Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will have plenty to reflect on during the flight back from Chicago after watching his side surrender a two-goal lead in a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Leeds United, bringing their United States pre-season tour to an underwhelming end.
While the Reds produced arguably their finest first-half display under Iraola, the second period exposed glaring weaknesses as Daniel Farke’s side scored four unanswered goals in just 25 minutes.
Although Iraola made wholesale changes after the interval, the manner of Liverpool’s collapse will concern the Spaniard. The Reds’ lack of squad depth, physicality and defensive organisation was brutally exposed, particularly with an inexperienced backline featuring Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Kostas Tsimikas.
There were encouraging signs before the break, with the returning Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz helping Liverpool dominate proceedings. However, the second-half performance highlighted vulnerabilities that will require urgent attention before the Premier League season begins.
Set-piece defending was another major concern, while the relentless intensity that has become a hallmark of Iraola’s training sessions disappeared after the interval. Experienced players such as Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa also struggled to influence the game when Liverpool came under pressure.
Speaking earlier in the week, Iraola acknowledged the uncertainty that often surrounds the transfer window.
“I particularly hate this month of August because you start the competitions and you still don’t know if some of the players are going to leave and who’s going to come – there is a lot of uncertainty.”
The Liverpool boss is expected to welcome several key players back to the AXA Training Centre in the coming days, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson Becker and new signing Victor Munoz.
Alexis Mac Allister remains the only first-team player yet to report, having been granted additional leave following Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup final. Munoz, meanwhile, will return earlier after not featuring during Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign.
Liverpool have not completed any signings during their two-week tour of the United States, largely because Iraola wanted to assess his current squad before deciding where reinforcements were needed.
Following the defeat to Leeds, those priorities have become much clearer.
Reflecting on the match, Iraola admitted the result may prove beneficial despite the disappointment.
“I think we learn a lot of things. Obviously it’s not the result you want but I think it was probably the most useful friendly we played – in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half. I think we’ve learned a lot and we can take good conclusions and solve some things.”
The heavy defeat has provided Liverpool’s new manager with a timely reminder that further additions may be necessary if the Reds are to compete for major honours this season.
