Liverpool ahead of the new season: Andoni Iraola still has plenty to sort out.

Losing 2-3 to Monaco in a friendly at Anfield is not overly alarming for Liverpool, given it's just a preparation match for the new season.

However, the team's display under Andoni Iraola has highlighted the problems the Spanish manager must resolve in the last weeks before the start of the official season.

Defensive intensity and balance.

During the opening 30 minutes against Monaco, Liverpool gave a glimpse of the style Iraola aims to implement. The home side applied high-intensity pressing, employed one-on-one defending, and sought to advance the ball swiftly. In possession, they opted for direct passes, aiming to reach their attackers instead of slow possession play.

This marks a significant shift from the latter stages of Arne Slot's era. Iraola desires a more aggressive approach in terms of intensity and tempo, yet this approach also raises the bar for structural organization.

One striking aspect is the frequent high positioning of the full-backs. This tactic can maximize the strengths of players such as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, but it also leaves gaps in behind. When both wing-backs advance, the center-backs need to excel in one-on-one duels and possess sufficient pace to protect the space behind them.

Liverpool are still finalizing their center-back options. Ronald Araujo is poised to arrive on loan from Barcelona, whereas Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni have yet to feature in pre-season, and Joe Gomez is sidelined with an injury.

Against Monaco, Virgil van Dijk played for the first time since the 2026 World Cup. He might require time to rediscover his form, yet his foul on Golovin resulting in a penalty highlighted Liverpool's defensive fragility. Subsequently, Biereth took advantage of a mistake by Gravenberch to level the score. Late in the game, Liverpool conceded a free header to Brunner from a corner kick.

The last goal conceded is particularly significant, as set pieces were a weakness for Liverpool last season. This incident stemmed from miscommunication between Milos Kerkez and Federico Chiesa over their defensive duties.

Thus, Iraola needs to strike a balance between pressing, space management, and the high defensive line. Liverpool cannot afford to perform well for only the first half-hour and then significantly drop intensity when tired. With a style requiring high energy, the gaps between the lines must remain stable.

Attack and squad depth.

While the defense is a priority for Liverpool to solidify, the displays of Isak and Wirtz have provided encouraging signs for Iraola.

Both players experienced a debut season that fell short of expectations at Anfield, even though Liverpool spent more than £225 million to acquire them in the summer of 2025.

Under Iraola, Wirtz's role appears more defined. The German is used as a No.10, playing just behind Isak. Isak, meanwhile, operates as the main striker, frequently making runs in behind the defense while also participating in combination play.

In the match against Monaco, that link-up was on display. Isak took a pass from Gravenberch following a one-two between Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, and calmly slotted into the bottom corner. Wirtz then netted the second goal from a chaotic situation in the penalty area, with Isak playing a part in the move.

If Isak and Wirtz can sustain this chemistry once the season begins, Iraola will have a solid basis to construct the attack around them. However, Liverpool still have notable deficiencies on the flanks.

Following Mohamed Salah's exit, the right wing still lacks a direct successor. Lewis Koumas was handed a starting role by Iraola against Monaco and impressed with several positive aspects. The 20-year-old was heavily involved in offensive moves and delivered the pass that set up Wirtz's second goal.

Nevertheless, Koumas's involvement does not indicate that the right-wing issue is resolved. The club continues to seek a higher-quality option for that position. Rio Ngumoha has also been trialed, and newcomer Victor Munoz displayed positive signs after entering the game in the second half against Monaco.

These choices provide Iraola with additional options, yet squad depth remains a major concern. Liverpool made 11 substitutions against Monaco, and the game's quality declined noticeably after the numerous changes. Once the key players departed, the team struggled to sustain the intensity and cohesion of the first half. This is why the personnel and tactical challenges at Liverpool are intertwined. Iraola desires a high-pressing, direct style with advanced full-backs, but to sustain that over an entire season, he requires sufficient players capable of fulfilling the physical and tactical requirements.