Pre-season is never about the scorelines but instead about what you can see being implemented, and all eyes will be on Andoni Iraola as he leads another new era at Liverpool.
Liverpool have had a handful of players already report back to the AXA Training Centre for fitness testing, but the real work starts in earnest in the coming week.
The Reds will be based on Merseyside before travelling to the United States for a three-stop tour, with two Anfield friendlies upon their return.
In total, Iraola has a little under six weeks to imprint his style on the squad ahead of the season opener at Newcastle on August 23.
And here are six things to look out for this pre-season.
Early signs of Andoni Iraola’s system
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola reacts following the Premier League match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Tuesday March 3, 2026.
Arne Slot‘s system became tired and lacked any penetration, with special individual moments relied on too heavily to sustain victories.
Iraola will inject intensity and restore the front-foot approach that has been craved and demanded, and the early friendlies should offer a glimpse into what his style will look like.
While the personnel may not be his first-choice XI, expect high turnovers and high energy.
Which academy players get the opportunity
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's captain Kieran Morrison celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The new head coach has already signalled his intent to utilise members of the academy while several first-team players remain on their summer break following the World Cup.
And while the international contingent will not be absent for as long as first expected, opportunities will still come – but who will run with it?
Fifteen-year-old Josh Abe will be among them, while the likes of Kieran Morrison, Lewis Koumas, Jayden Danns, Will Wright, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are anticipated to spend time with the first team.
How quickly will Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni find their feet
The centre-back duo both had their 2025/26 seasons curtailed by injury, with Giovanni Leoni faring the worst with an ACL tear on his debut last September.
Both are expected to be involved throughout the summer, but to what extent Leoni, in particular, can feature will be of particular interest.
As it stands, the pair, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are the only senior centre-back options, meaning there will be some pressure on hitting the ground running if no one else is signed.
Liverpool need both to adjust to Iraola’s demands in a timely fashion.
Harvey Elliott given chance or signalling desire to leave
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 11, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Harvey Elliott on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The expectation is that Harvey Elliott will be moved on this summer after his permanent transfer to Aston Villa fell through due to failing to meet the requirements to trigger the £35 million deal.
He was seeking more minutes last year and that desire will only be greater now, but could he carve out a role for himself with Liverpool proving short on squad depth?
The boyhood Red still has plenty to offer, and few supporters would be against him staying, but only he and Iraola can determine if his value is better served at Anfield or not.
If Trey Nyoni is utilised as a No. 6
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It feels like an important season for the 19-year-old, who could either be sent on loan for experience or prove himself valuable for the campaign ahead.
Liverpool need a defensive midfielder, but it remains quiet on that front in the transfer window, so could Trey Nyoni be given the chance to offer depth in the position?
He has the tools and temperament for it, but has made only 20 first-team appearances so far.
What the plans are at right-back
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Jeremie Frimpong on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Conor Bradley remains sidelined with his knee injury, leaving Jeremie Frimpong as the out-and-out right-back option, with Joe Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones the alternative options.
They will all report on day one of pre-season, a bonus for Iraola, but it ought to only highlight the need for a right-back in the transfer window after Bradley, Frimpong and Gomez’s injury issues last season.
With Jones’ future also remaining up in the air, with Inter Milan keen to secure a transfer, it only underlines the necessity with Szoboszlai needed in midfield and Gomez primarily at centre-back.
How the head coach uses his options may give us a clue as to what the plan forward is.