Liverpool F.C. head coach Andoni Iraola is in a rush to plug the gaps in his team ahead of the new Premier League season, which begins in three weeks' time. The Reds are still recovering from their post-World Cup holidays, with eight first-team players missing due to injuries and World Cup commitments. Iraola was in his element at the open training session in Chicago, where he immersed himself in every training drill, shouting 'faster, faster' to his players as they worked on their pressing games.
What happened?
Liverpool's pre-season tour has been marked by a series of injuries, with key players such as Jérémy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez missing due to muscle and shoulder problems. The concentration of problems in one particular area was a recurring theme under Arne Slot last season and has not eased yet.
Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool need a very good version of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to deliver on their combined £241m investment. The duo was always intended to play together, but injuries struck last season, limiting their playing time. Iraola is expected to play Wirtz behind the striker, rather than on the left, where he operated without reward at the World Cup.
What comes next?
Liverpool will face Leeds in a friendly match at Soldier Field on Sunday, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak expected to feature for the first time in pre-season. The Reds are looking to loan out Ifeanyi Ndukwe next season, having been unable to secure a work permit. With the new season just around the corner, Iraola is under pressure to deliver results and plug the gaps in his team.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Premier League, 52 pts, 15W-7D-10L from 32 games, recent form WLDLW. Goals this season: 52 scored, 42 conceded (+10 goal difference). Title race: 18 points behind leaders Arsenal.
