Liverpool will try to win silverware under new head coach Andoni Iraola this coming season after struggling in all competitions under former boss Arne Slot last time out
Andoni Iraola is expecting big things from Alexander Isak
Andoni Iraola is expecting big things from Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's tour of the United States continued on Wednesday, as the Reds defeated Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Rio Ngumoha scored the only goal of the preseason friendly, making it two wins from two games for Andoni Iraola; the Reds defeated Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville in the new head coach's first match. Liverpool will play one more game in the United States before returning to Merseyside, as Iraola's players take on Leeds in Chicago on Sunday.
With Liverpool's first game of the Premier League season just under a month away, Iraola is getting his squad ready. Ahead of August, here are the latest headlines from Anfield.
Iraola's Isak claim
Iraola believes Alexander Isak will have a big second season for Liverpool after struggling during his debut campaign.
Liverpool signed Isak from Newcastle in a £125 million ($168 million) deal last summer, making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history. Yet the move was only finalized after a long transfer saga, which saw the Swede miss out on a full preseason.
Isak eventually arrived at Anfield lacking match fitness. He suffered another setback last December when he broke his leg against Tottenham. Although he recovered in time for the World Cup, he finished the season with just four Liverpool goals to his name.
Isak is expected to be Liverpool's talisman this season
Isak is expected to be Liverpool's talisman this season(Image: Getty Images)
Iraola has been tasked with getting the best out of Isak and is confident he can do exactly that.
"Alex is exciting, he has come in a good place, good World Cup, comfortable," said Iraola.
"First training here, still early, but I hope he can play vs Leeds and have a proper preseason. Not long but 3/4 weeks of quality training, I hope, and he is in a good place because he is going to massive for us."
Barcola transfer boost
Isak might get the chance to play alongside Bradley Barcola, if rumors are to be believed.
The 23-year-old forward is said to be open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain after struggling for minutes last season, with Liverpool interested. The Reds were handed a boost this week when Bayern Munich pulled out of the race to sign Barcola.
"I was smiling every time I read the transfer rumors this summer," Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, told the media.
"We wrapped up the deals for Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Sibari very quickly, and I thought it was clear that we had finished our signings. I was smiling at the names being linked with us, as these rumors are zero percent true."
Bayern already has one of the most formidable attacks in European soccer, with former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz partnering Harry Kane and Michael Olise.