Inside Iraola's first week at Liverpool and big decisions he faces

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Andoni Iraola’s first meaningful week as Liverpool head coach has centred on assessing his squad, setting expectations and preparing for a demanding pre-season schedule. Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot in June and signed a two-year deal, held his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre on Monday before most first-team players resumed work the following day. He indicated Liverpool still need further signings, with transfer activity expected to pick up as the World Cup concludes.

One major issue identified by BBC Sport is leadership planning. Virgil van Dijk remains captain but is 35 and entering the final year of his contract, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also out of contract next summer. Dominik Szoboszlai, newly tied to a five-year deal and already Hungary captain, is presented as a leading candidate to become vice-captain after the departures of senior figures including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

At Liverpool’s Kirkby base, players began with individual testing before moving into ball work later in the week. BBC Sport says Iraola has been closely involved in training, with staff focused on understanding the current group’s fitness and qualities. The report notes a different endurance test from those used under Jurgen Klopp and Slot, and says medical staff have been encouraged by the squad’s condition. Harvey Elliott returned earlier than expected, Curtis Jones is said to have impressed, and Jeremy Jacquet has recovered from a shoulder problem.

Liverpool are due to travel to Chicago for a pre-season tour that also includes Nashville and New York. With several World Cup players still to rejoin and academy players expected to travel, the trip will give Iraola a broader look at his squad before competitive pressure builds.