Liverpool's Iraola suffers Anfield defeat in managerial debut
Andoni Iraola's managerial debut at Anfield ended in a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, a result that highlighted Liverpool's ongoing recruitment issues.
Iraola's team led at halftime but ultimately fell to a set-piece goal, a familiar narrative that echoes the struggles of his predecessor, Arne Slot. Slot had also seen a lead slip away at Anfield, and Iraola may hope that this parallel with last season ends when competitive football begins.
Liverpool's business in the transfer market has stalled since the June signing of Victor Munoz, and Iraola's team still requires a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Lewis Koumas was a temporary solution, but the Welsh winger may be destined for a fourth straight loan spell rather than a regular spot in the team.
The absence of a left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas making his Anfield comeback in the role, was also evident. Tsimikas, a former deputy to Andy Robertson, was a returning face in the squad.
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were both on target for Liverpool, with the former's goal coming after a pass from Ryan Gravenberch. Isak and Wirtz had struck together only once in the previous season under Slot, but Iraola has installed Wirtz as his No 10.
Liverpool's new manager has introduced a more vertical brand of football, with the full-backs often advancing further than Gravenberch. This style may suit players like Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez but also raises concerns about the need for centre-backs who can defend one on one.
Virgil van Dijk, in his first appearance since the World Cup, could be forgiven for rustiness when he tripped Aleksandr Golovin to concede a penalty. Wataru Endo and Frimpong were also partly culpable when Mika Biereth levelled the scores.
Liverpool's recruitment drive has focused on the middle of the defence, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, the youngsters who arrived for a combined fee of almost £100m, being key targets. However, Gomez is already injured, and Jacquet and Leoni have yet to play in pre-season.
Araujo is undergoing a medical before he completes his surprise loan from Barcelona, and his arrival will provide a bridge to the next generation. The concerns, however, are about the present, and Liverpool's need for centre-backs who can defend one on one.
Harvey Elliott, who could have been gone for good, returned from his unproductive loan at Aston Villa to the loudest cheer of the afternoon. However, even as he made 11 substitutions, there were other glimpses into Iraola's thinking, including Rio Ngumoha's appearance on the right flank, who may have to step into Salah's shoes in more meaningful matches.
Iraola's team will look to regroup and improve their defensive solidity ahead of their next match.
Source: Yahoo Sports
