Liverpool opened the door for the cameras during Friday’s training session, and it was apparent that there are no lingering issues stemming from the incident in New York.
The Reds’ third and final game in the US takes place in Chicago on Sunday evening, meaning Andoni Iraola is close to wrapping up the second phase of pre-season.
He has been dealt further challenges with injuries and the need to manage players’ comebacks, but he will have been pleased at the return of a handful of players during Friday’s session.
Here are five things we spotted from the latest Liverpool training session.
No fallout hangover for Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After what appeared to be a heated exchange over where the captain’s armband ended up during the win over Wrexham, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas all appeared in good spirits.
The trio were happy to flick the ball to each other before the session, hopefully having long put the incident behind them.
Florian Wirtz on corner delivery duty
Wirtz on set-pieces. Drill being led by Shaun Cooper with Tommy Elphick defending the corners pic.twitter.com/btEILiTb7B
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) July 31, 2026
As Liverpool moved to working on set-pieces, Wirtz was the one focusing on providing the deliveries into the box.
The No. 7 is one of the best-placed players to take on the responsibility this season as he will not be an aerial threat in the box, nor chosen to act as defensive cover in case of a quick break.
His ball-striking ability is best-served trying to set up Virgil van Dijk, Alexander Isak and Co., making it one to keep an eye on when he makes his first appearance in pre-season.
No Joe Gomez or Jeremy Jacquet, but trio return
There were some welcome sightings during the session, but also continued absences from those who arrived in the US with injuries, plus the recent addition of Joe Gomez.
• Involved: Endo, Bajcetic, Chiesa
• Absent: Jacquet, Gomez, Jaros, Leoni, Bradley, Ekitike
Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, continue to train at the AXA Training Centre, while Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz have yet to return from their summer break.
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni remained in the gym as their teammates took to the outdoor pitches. Conor Bradley, meanwhile, made further steps in his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Andoni Iraola vocal and hands-on
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As we have seen from previous glimpses into training, Iraola has proven hands-on and ready to pull players for a more in-depth chat about what he wants from them.
He’s in the middle of the session, watching closely and quick to call out instructions. His assistants Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper matched his energy.
Dominik Szoboszlai showing leadership qualities
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Szoboszlai is the frontrunner to assume the title of vice-captain this season, and the session showed his willingness to help the club’s youngsters.
Mor Talla Ndiaye was among those Szoboszlai offered guidance to, but he was vocal and readily gesticulating throughout.
As a player who will be integral to putting Iraola’s pressing triggers into action, it is a role Szoboszlai will need to excel at, especially in the early stages of the campaign.
training
Football – LFC Foundation Friendly – Chelsea FC Legends v Liverpool FC Legends
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 11, 2025: Liverpool's Jay Spearing celebrates after the LFC Foundation match between Chelsea FC Legends and Liverpool FC Legends at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
2026-07-25-328-Liverpool_Sunderland (1)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) and first team coach Tommy Elphick during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)