Wirtz and Isak both scored, but coach Iraola was still frustrated about one issue with Liverpool

Although Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both found the net, manager Andoni Iraola remained unhappy after Liverpool allowed AS Monaco to stage a comeback and win 3-2 at Anfield.

Liverpool started enthusiastically in the friendly match at Anfield. With heavy pressure from the start, the home side quickly turned their advantage into two goals from Isak and Wirtz.

In the first half hour, Liverpool showed many positive aspects in their ball distribution, pressing, and speed of attacking organization. This was also the closest image to the football Iraola wants to build since taking over the team.

However, the situation began to change at the end of the first half. Monaco reduced the deficit from the penalty spot just before the break, before continuing to increase pressure after the match resumed.

The Ligue 1 side soon equalized to make it 2-2 and then completed the comeback in the final minutes. From a corner kick, Paris Brunner cut in and headed home at the near post, sealing a 3-2 victory for Monaco.

After the match, the Spanish coach frankly admitted that Liverpool had not been able to maintain the intensity of play as in the first 30 minutes.

“We played really well in the first half, especially the first 30 minutes. But at this moment, perhaps we cannot sustain the necessary level to play that way for longer.”, Mr. Iraola shared.

According to the Liverpool coach, Monaco played superiorly in the second half and fully deserved the comeback.

“They played much better than us in the second half, just as we played better than them in the first half. They deserved to turn the game around.”, the former Bournemouth coach admitted.

One of the biggest issues pointed out by the Spanish manager lies in the physical foundation. Notably, Mr. Iraola believes this problem did not only appear against Monaco. After four friendlies, Liverpool won the first two matches but in the last two they have struggled to maintain the quality of performance throughout the game.

“We cannot maintain the level we desire for the entire match. When changes are made and players start to tire, we no longer keep the intensity. So there is still a lot of work to do,” Mr. Iraola emphasized.

Besides the tactical issues, the Liverpool coach also updated the situation of Jeremy Jacquet and Curtis Jones. New signing Jacquet is very close to returning and is likely to be available for the next match. Meanwhile, Jones has a hip problem after the latest training session, but the injury is not considered serious.

Although the result was not as desired, the Spanish manager still expressed thanks for the support of the Anfield crowd. He admitted that the atmosphere in the first half was very positive, but the feeling was completely opposite when Liverpool could not maintain their control after the break.

“It was great, especially in the first half when we pressed and everything went very well. But the second half was really difficult. When the fans have expectations and you cannot deliver what they want, it is very frustrating.”, Mr. Iraola shared.