Liverpool's manager Andoni Iraola was left disappointed with the team's physical state and defensive performance after a pre-season friendly against Monaco which ended in a 2-3 loss.
The Merseyside outfit started the match at Anfield strongly, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz putting them 2-0 up within the first half hour. However, Liverpool faltered physically, allowing Monaco to score three unanswered goals and snatch victory. This marks back-to-back defeats for Iraola's side, with a similar pattern emerging as they previously led 2-0 against Leeds United in the United States, only to lose 2-4.
In an interview with LFC TV, the Spanish manager candidly assessed his squad's readiness:
This match followed the same script as the game against Leeds. We performed excellently in the first half, especially the opening 30 minutes. Right now, we simply lack the resources to maintain the required level throughout the match. Monaco deservedly turned the game around.
As soon as we start rotating the squad, fatigue kicks in, and our performance drops significantly. We still have a lot of work to do.
Defensive issues and injuries
Despite substantial financial investment in the squad—around £90 million spent this summer and over £400 million before last season—Liverpool's defence remains vulnerable. The situation is exacerbated by injuries to key players, including Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, while new signing Jeremy Doku is still getting up to speed. To strengthen the backline, the club has secured the loan of Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo.
Rumours surrounding Curtis Jones
Meanwhile, Serie A side Inter Milan continues to express interest in 25-year-old midfielder Curtis Jones, who is in the final year of his contract.
