Andoni Iraola offered his take on the second-half collapse that saw Liverpool lose 4-2 against Leeds in Chicago, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both returning to action
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during the pre-season friendly against Leeds in Chicago.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during the pre-season friendly against Leeds in Chicago.(Image: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola believes Liverpool can learn "a lot" from a chastening second half against Leeds in Chicago, with his side letting a two-goal lead slip thanks to some suspect defending.
Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz scored in the first 45 minutes to put Liverpool in a commanding position, but Daniel Farke introduced Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson, and the tide turned.
Conceding from two long throws, a depleted Liverpool team, with its big hitters having gone off and with several major stars yet to come back into the fold after the World Cup, couldn't stop Giorgi Mamardashvili being beaten four times.
"I think we can learn a lot of things," Iraola told LFCTV post-match.
"Obviously it was not the result that you want, but it was probably the most useful friendly we played in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half.
"We have learned a lot from today and I think we can take good conclusions and then sort some things."
Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Leeds.
Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Leeds.(Image: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Perhaps the biggest positive was Trey Nyoni starring once again. In his 45-minute appearance, he ran the game alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and proved why he is ready for a bigger role next term.
Another major plus was the return of Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who got their first minutes in a Reds jersey under Iraola.
"I think they played really good," the Spaniard continued.
"They played the first 45 minutes and obviously Florian and Alex, because they were playing in the first half, they had an easier game and a better game. Ryan (Gravenberch), it was more (difficult for him) and everyone."
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Iraola also revealed that Jeremie Frimpong's substitution was only because of tiredness rather than injury. He limped off around 75 minutes.
"Jeremie asked for the sub; I don't think it is an injury," Iraola told LFCTV. "I think it was just an overload and I think he is not injured. In that way, I don't think we have lost anyone."
Liverpool is next in pre-season action next weekend against AS Monaco. It will also host Como before traveling to Newcastle on August 23.