Liverpool is set to conclude its summer friendly schedule with two matches against Como 1907 on Sunday. The first fixture will be played behind closed doors, while the second match is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off at Anfield. These games mark the fifth and sixth matches under manager Andoni Iraola, as the club prepares for its Premier League opener away at Newcastle United.
Iraola expressed his belief that the squad is “moving in the right direction” as the new season approaches. In his notes for Sunday’s matchday programme, he described the upcoming games as a “very good, and very important, test” for the team’s final preparations for the new Premier League season.
Squad Updates and Preparations
The manager reflected on the recent 3-2 defeat against Monaco, noting that it offered both positives and learning opportunities. He highlighted the first half, particularly the initial 30 minutes, as “very pleasing,” and mentioned seeing Alexander Isak on the scoresheet and looking sharp. Iraola observed many positive aspects in the team’s play, both with and without the ball.
A challenge identified by Iraola was the team’s inability to maintain performance levels, similar to a previous match against Leeds in Chicago. He stated that sustaining these levels requires time and significant effort in training. Iraola has frequently discussed his desired team characteristics, including intensity, intent, and energy. While acknowledging room for improvement, he believes the team is progressing positively and anticipates this trend will continue as the season begins.
Alexis Mac Allister has rejoined the AXA Training Centre, meaning all players are now back with the squad following the World Cup. Iraola emphasized the benefit of having the full squad available, expressing confidence in the quality and potential within the team. He stressed the importance of demonstrating this consistently moving forward.
This week, Liverpool also welcomed Ronald Araujo, a defender from FC Barcelona, who joined on a season-long loan deal. Iraola expressed satisfaction with the addition, noting Araujo’s quality and experience, and anticipates he will quickly integrate and positively impact the squad.
Team News and Injury Concerns
In central defence, Liverpool has faced challenges, with three players experiencing injury concerns, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the sole fit centre-back at one point. Jacquet, who missed the 3-2 defeat by Monaco due to an unspecified issue, has returned to team training. His previous season was cut short by a shoulder problem, and he had not featured in pre-season until recently.
Manager Iraola is managing Jacquet’s return cautiously. Other players recovering from injuries include Giovanni Leoni, who sustained an ACL injury, and Joe Gomez, who picked up a muscle injury during the 4-2 win over Sunderland. This muscle injury is likely to affect Gomez’s start to the season. Additionally, Ibrahima Konate departed the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract.
Curtis Jones has also been dealing with a hip injury but has returned to training after missing the Monaco match. Concerns also exist regarding the fitness levels of World Cup participants Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, who are being monitored after their nations reached the final of the tournament. Longer-term absentees include Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, suffering from knee and Achilles injuries, respectively. Despite these issues, Van Dijk and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson both returned to action against Monaco.
The upcoming friendlies against Como will be important for Liverpool’s final preparations before their Premier League season commences.
Source: bbc.com