We cannot sustain the level we want - Iraola

What the report says

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said his side “cannot sustain the level we want” after a second straight pre-season match in which they let a two-goal lead slip, according to BBC Sport Football. Speaking after the friendly at Anfield, Iraola pointed to the challenge of maintaining intensity across the full game, especially after substitutions, and said the team still has work to do before the Premier League season begins.

The match came in front of a sell-out crowd for Iraola’s first home game in charge, with fans turning out for what BBC Sport described as the start of a new era. Despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs in attack from Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, whose link-up play stood out. Isak opened the scoring, and Wirtz was also heavily involved in Liverpool’s best moments.

BBC Sport also highlighted unresolved defensive concerns. With Virgil van Dijk returning from an extended break, Liverpool finished the game using makeshift centre-back options, underlining a need for greater depth in that area. The report notes that a season-long loan move for Ronald Araujo from Barcelona is nearing completion, while Jeremy Jacquet may be available for the next pre-season fixture.

Liverpool have two more friendlies against Como before opening their league campaign at Newcastle, giving Iraola limited time to settle combinations and assess squad depth ahead of the season.