Liverpool are set to conclude their summer friendly schedule with two matches against Como 1907 on Sunday. The first fixture will be played behind closed doors, while the second game is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off at Anfield. These matches represent the fifth and sixth under the management of Andoni Iraola as the club finalises preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.
Iraola views these encounters as a significant test for the squad. In his notes for the matchday programme, he highlighted the importance of these games in the lead-up to the new season. The manager expressed satisfaction with certain aspects of the recent Monaco game, particularly the first half and the initial 30 minutes, despite the overall result.
During the Monaco match, Alexander Isak was noted for getting on the scoresheet and appearing sharp. Iraola observed positive elements both with and without the ball. However, a recurring issue, also seen in the game against Leeds in Chicago, was the team’s inability to maintain performance levels consistently. This is an area the coaching staff believes can be improved through time and dedicated work on the training ground.
Squad Development and New Arrivals
The manager has frequently discussed his vision for the team, emphasising intensity, intent, and energy. While acknowledging that there is still room for improvement, Iraola believes the squad is progressing positively. He anticipates this forward momentum will continue in the coming days and weeks as the season commences.
The return of Alexis Mac Allister to the AXA Training Centre on Monday means that all players who participated in the World Cup are now back with the squad, which is considered highly beneficial. Iraola expressed confidence in the quality and potential within the team and stressed the importance of demonstrating this consistently.
Liverpool recently strengthened their defence with the addition of Ronald Araujo. The Uruguay international defender joined the club on Monday on a season-long loan deal from FC Barcelona. Iraola conveyed his satisfaction with this signing, noting that adding a player of Araujo’s quality and experience is expected to have a positive impact on the squad and that he should settle in quickly.
Injury Concerns and Team News
The central defence has been a particular area of concern due to several injury issues, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the sole fit centre-back available at one point. Jacquet has been dealing with an unspecified problem that led him to miss the 3-2 defeat by Monaco. This player, who arrived from Rennes, had his previous season cut short by a shoulder injury and has not yet featured in pre-season matches for Liverpool. However, he has returned to team training ahead of the Como fixture.
Iraola is reportedly exercising caution with his new signing, and the club’s move for Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona is seen as a response to these defensive concerns. Other players facing recovery include Giovanni Leoni, who is rehabilitating from an ACL injury sustained last year, and Joe Gomez, who sustained a muscle injury during the 4-2 victory over Sunderland. This injury is likely to affect his start to the season.
Youngsters such as Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Talla Ndiaye, both newly signed, have featured in pre-season, as has Luke Chambers. The club also saw the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who left on a free transfer after his contract expired and signed with Real Madrid. Curtis Jones has been hampered by a hip injury, though he has returned to training after missing the Monaco match. Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, both World Cup participants, have returned to the club, and their fitness levels will be monitored following their nations’ deep runs in the tournament. Longer-term absentees include Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, who are recovering from knee and Achilles injuries, respectively. Van Dijk and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson both returned to action against Monaco.
The first of Liverpool’s two matches against Como on Sunday is scheduled for an 11:30am BST kick-off.
Source: bbc.com