Iraola opened his Liverpool tenure with a 4‑2 win over Sunderland in Nashville, but the score also exposed a key weakness: the back‑line. Only Joe Gomez dressed and he was forced off after 10 minutes with a muscle problem that Iraola described as “the worst news” of the day. With Leoni still months away from ACL recovery and Jacquet only recently back from a shoulder injury, the Reds cannot rely on the trio. The injury‑prone front guard must be addressed before the summer window closes on September 1. A new defender is needed to partner Van Dijk’s centre‑back.

Iraola’s approach contrasts sharply with former boss Slot’s slow, possession‑heavy system that drew boos after a 0‑0 Manuel draw with Chelsea. He said he wants “energetic” play, dynamic pressing, and to suffocate opponents. The Nashville game showed this intent: Kieran Morrison’s opener came from a free‑flowing build‑up involving McConnell, Ngumoha, and Elliott, while Lewis Koumas’s late strike resulted from sharp counter‑pressing. The 44‑year‑old’s philosophy is already visible in the first and last goals.

Szoboszlai remains the most dynamic midfielder, as evidenced by his second‑half haul and a volley that levelled the score. His pressing and versatility fit Iraola’s gegenpressing vision. The new five‑year deal underscores his central role.

Iraola is willing to give young talent a chance, unlike Slot. Players such as Trey Nyoni, Koumas, Morrison, and McConnell impressed in the match, and the 44‑year‑old will likely feature in the next pre‑season fixtures. The squad will also integrate World Cup players Alex Isak, Flo Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch. The first outing gives a solid starting point, but improvement is required.