Liverpool Pre-Season Tour 2025: Squad Gaps Exposed by Iraola 2026

Liverpool's pre-season tour under new head coach Andoni Iraola exposed glaring squad gaps despite wins over Sunderland and Wrexham. The 4-2 defeat to Leeds in Chicago highlighted recurring set-piece problems and a tendency to switch off, raising questions about readiness for the Premier League season.

Iraola's Vision Will Take Time

Liverpool's opening 45 minutes against Leeds was their best of the tour, showing the potential of Iraola's front-foot, intense style. However, the second-half collapse underscored the challenges ahead. Iraola has yet to meet key players like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson, and Alexis Mac Allister, let alone coach them.

With less than three weeks until the season opener at Newcastle, the lack of preparation time is a concern. Iraola admitted, "I would like to say on the first day we are going to be perfect, everyone will be in place. But probably it is not going to be like this."

Head Coach Needs More Backing

Throughout the tour, Iraola was without eight first-team players due to World Cup holidays and six due to injury. This limited his ability to implement his methods fully. Even with all options available, glaring gaps remain in the squad, particularly in defensive organization and depth.

Key Takeaways from the Tour

• Set-piece vulnerability and lapses in concentration persist from last season.
• Iraola's high-pressing style shows promise but requires more time to embed.
• Key players returning late will need rapid integration before Newcastle.
• Squad depth remains a concern, especially in defense and midfield.

Comparison: Liverpool's Performance Under Iraola vs. Last Season

Immediate Priorities Before Newcastle

With only two friendlies left (a double-header against Como at Anfield), Iraola must quickly integrate returning stars. The focus should be on defensive solidity and set-piece drills. Mac Allister's absence due to World Cup exertions adds to the urgency.

Fans are eager to see if the new coach can deliver a title challenge, but realistic expectations are needed given the shortened preparation. The tour exposed gaps that cannot be fixed overnight, but with smart signings and tactical tweaks, Liverpool can still compete.

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