Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s first week of pre‑season under Andoni Iraola has already offered a glimpse of the intensity that will define the new era at Anfield.
Training officially got underway on Tuesday, with footage from Kirkby showing players put through demanding fitness and ball‑work drills as the coaching staff look to set standards early.
Manager Andoni Iraola has already commented on the fitness of the returning players:
“Nowadays, players normally are very professional. They have things to do in the summer. They come normally in a good shape. Some of them are in a better shape, the other ones are still getting there, but we have our time, we have our weeks to prepare. I hope when it matters, we arrive ready.”
But amid the first week getting underway, academy players have been invited to take part in senior preparations:
Academy journalist Lewis Bower has taken to X to report that nine academy players were involved in first team training this week:
“A host of academy players involved in first-team training overseen by Andoni Iraola. In full: Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Josh Abe, Will Wright, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers, Kieran Morrison, James McConnell, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Tommy Pilling.”
Abe signed fresh terms at the end of last season after a spell of uncertainty, with several Premier League rivals circling for his signature. The gifted winger, who turns 16 this summer, had enjoyed a breakout campaign with the U18s, prompting fears he might be lured away before committing to a scholarship deal at Kirkby.
Will Wright arrived from Salford City last summer and came to Merseyside with senior minutes already under his belt. He since played in a pre‑season friendly at Anfield that summer and even made a Premier League matchday squad in April.
Kieran Morrison’s situation is slightly different: having made his senior international debut for Northern Ireland earlier this year, he is now widely expected to seek a loan move to accelerate his development.
A host of academy players involved in first-team training overseen by Andoni Iraola.
In full: Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Josh Abe, Will Wright, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers, Kieran Morrison, James McConnell, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Tommy Pilling. pic.twitter.com/UutmBzjpo1
— Lewis Bower (@LewisBower2021) July 16, 2026