How Liverpool are shaping up under Iraola

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Liverpool are beginning pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with the early sample including wins over Sunderland and Wrexham and defeats against Leeds and Monaco after two-goal leads were surrendered in both losses. The article says the Spanish coach, appointed after Arne Slot’s title-winning campaign, is already introducing a style that combines possession, direct passing and the fast, vertical attacking ideas associated with his previous teams.

The piece notes that Liverpool’s average possession in these games is higher than Bournemouth’s under Iraola last season, but that the challenge at Anfield is different because opponents are likely to defend deeper. In build-up, Liverpool have alternated between short construction from the back and early long balls from goalkeepers Alisson or Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the aim of drawing pressure and then attacking space quickly. The report also highlights fluid wide combinations, especially on the left, involving players such as Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz.

BBC Sport says the approach creates a lively attack but can leave Liverpool exposed when possession breaks down, with only a few players behind the ball at times. Iraola has acknowledged there is still work to do after the Monaco defeat, particularly to improve control, physical sharpness and the press. The article adds that Liverpool are also using an intense high press and structured midfield roles, suggesting the new manager is trying to balance chaos with more stability as the season approaches.