For the second friendly in a row, Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool threw away a two‑goal lead and lost the game. In Chicago on 2 August, the new manager said the 4‑2 defeat against Leeds was useful as he "learned a lot of things" about his side. However, at Anfieldԃ on Sunday against Monaco, the Spaniard was a bit more candid after a 3‑2 loss. Two weeks out from the start of the Premier League campaign, Iraola’s verdict melihat that his side had "work to do" because they could not sustain the level he wanted for the duration of a game.

The first half against Leeds and the first 30 minutes against Monaco were the best that Liverpool have looked at in pre‑season. They moved the ball with pace, were direct, pressed with intensity and players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak looked sharp. As the game progressed and changes were made – Iraola made nine against Leeds and 11 against Monaco – Liverpool looked like a different team and certainly not for the better.

Some squad members are still returning to full fitness after the World Cup, while others such as Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined for lengthy periods. Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo is close to completing a season‑long loan from Barcelona. Virgil van Dijk said, "Let’s see what the next couple of weeks bring. Any quality we can add to the team will definitely be welcome."

With the squad at his disposal, Iraola is adamant that general fitness must improve if they are to play the style he wants. Pablo de la Torre has joined Liverpool from Bournemouth, where Iraola previously coached. The signs are there that this team will entertain, but it will take time to see his approach fully realised.