Andoni Iraola warned liverpool have “work to do” after his side blew a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Monaco in a pre-season friendly at Anfield on 9 August, a result that underlined defensive vulnerabilities and squad depth concerns as the club approaches the start of the Premier League season.
- Iraola said Liverpool “have work to do” after losing 3-2 to Monaco at Anfield after surrendering a 2-0 lead.
- The result highlighted ongoing defensive frailties and problems sustaining performance after substitutions.
- Iraola has identified a winger as a transfer priority and warned defensive depth is thin due to departures and injuries.
- Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley were described by Iraola as “way off” returning; other senior absences and managed returns affect selection.
- Liverpool have a small window of pre-season fixtures before the Premier League opener on 23 August to address concerns.
What happened at Anfield
Liverpool opened brightly with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz scoring in the first half to put the hosts 2-0 up. Virgil van Dijk conceded a penalty shortly before half-time that Aleksandr Golovin converted, and Monaco completed a comeback in the second half with a late winner from a Paris Brunner header. Iraola made multiple changes in the second half while Monaco dominated, and the match finished 3-2 in favour of the visitors.
Why Iraola says the team must improve
Iraola attributed the collapse to Liverpool being unable to sustain the first-half level after substitutions and to second‑half tiredness, telling LFCTV that his side had been better in the first half while Monaco improved after the changes. The coach singled out the need for the team to maintain defensive solidity across 90 minutes, saying “we have work to do” after the match.
Context: transfers and injuries feeding the problem
The Anfield defeat came against a backdrop of summer change and multiple absences that Iraola has repeatedly highlighted. The manager has said Liverpool need signings in obvious areas — notably a winger — and warned that injuries and recent departures have left the squad “thin” defensively.
Sources report that Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté have left the club this summer, while Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined. Iraola and club staff have described Bradley and Ekitike in particular as “way off” returning from their injuries, and that those absences contribute to worries about right‑back and centre‑back depth.
Confirmed changes and incoming players
Liverpool have completed signings including Jérémy Jacquet and Víctor Muñoz, and Ronald Araújo is reported to be due to arrive on loan from Barcelona, though that deal was not finalised at the time of the Monaco friendly. Alexis Mac Allister and other players returning from extended international duty were absent or managed carefully during pre-season.
Why the timing matters
The friendly at Anfield was one of the final run‑outs before competitive matches begin: Liverpool have two more pre‑season fixtures — a double‑header against Como, the first behind closed doors — before Iraola’s Premier League debut away to newcastle on 23 August and his home league debut against Nottingham Forest a week later. With only weeks to the opening fixtures, the manager has emphasised the need for an improvement in defensive consistency and finishing transfer business where necessary.
Practical implications for selection and the transfer market
- Selection: Iraola’s use of a high defensive line and heavy rotation in friendlies has left questions over how sustainably his tactics can be implemented given the current personnel and fitness levels.
- Transfer priorities: The manager has repeatedly stated a priority to sign a winger and to consider reinforcements at right‑back and centrally because of injuries and departures that have reduced experienced defensive options.
- Squad management: With several senior players rested from the U.S. tour and others returning from long campaigns, the coaching staff face a short window to build cohesion before competitive matches begin.
Timeline of recent relevant events
- Late July: Iraola told reporters in Chicago Liverpool “definitely need to sign a winger” and warned defensive depth was thin after departures and injuries.
- Pre-season tour (July–August): Liverpool recorded wins against Sunderland and Wrexham but lost 4-2 to Leeds in another friendly, prompting early concern about defensive form.
- 9 August 2026: Liverpool lost 3-2 to Monaco at Anfield after surrendering a 2-0 lead; Iraola said the side had to improve their ability to sustain performance.
- Before 23 August 2026: Liverpool face two Como friendlies (one behind closed doors) before beginning the Premier League away to Newcastle on 23 August.
What comes next
Iraola has pressed for improvement in the “next fortnight” before competitive football resumes. The club’s next immediate steps are to complete outstanding transfer business, monitor the rehabilitation of injured players described as “way off” returning, and refine matchday tactics and selection to avoid repeating second‑half lapses. How the board responds in the transfer market and how quickly injured players progress will shape whether Liverpool enter the Premier League opener with the defensive depth Iraola considers necessary.
Key takeaway
Monday’s friendly reinforced concerns Iraola has voiced all summer: Liverpool’s attack looked capable in spells, but the team’s inability to maintain defensive control after substitutions and the thinness caused by transfers and injuries remain pressing issues before the new season.