Intensity, smiles & Lewandowski - inside Liverpool training under Iraola

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Liverpool’s pre-season work is intensifying under new head coach Andoni Iraola during their training camp in Chicago. The club held its first open session at the Chicago Fire performance centre, with the article describing a lively, high-energy workout that included pressing drills, small-sided games and set-piece work. Liverpool are due to finish their US tour against Leeds at Soldier Field on Sunday, with senior club official Mike Gordon watching on.

The piece says the session came after some off-field tension was quickly smoothed over. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas had been seen in a heated exchange after the win over Wrexham, but BBC Sport observed the players joking together during training. The report also notes that Liverpool still need to settle leadership roles after Andy Robertson’s departure, making the vice-captain position one of the issues Iraola will need to address.

On the squad front, record signing Alexander Isak returned to training, while Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch were also back after missing the New York trip. Jeremy Jacquet and Joe Gomez remained in the gym as Liverpool managed their fitness and injury recoveries. BBC Sport adds that Iraola was active throughout the session, frequently calling for quicker play and closely involved with the drills, suggesting a hands-on approach as he prepares for his first Premier League season in charge.