‘Overload’ – Andoni Iraola says Liverpool player asked to be subbed out after injury fears
Liverpool suffered their first defeat under Andoni Iraola as Leeds United came from behind to stun them 4-2.
Goals from Florian Wirtz and Luke Chambers gave the Reds a commanding 2-0 lead, but Daniel Farke’s side struck back through Brenden Aaronson, a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and a goal from Sean Longstaff to turn the game on its head.
Liverpool capitulated in the second half after a fantastic showing in the first 45 minutes, proving that they are very much a work in progress under Iraola.
After the game, the Spaniard provided an update on Jeremie Frimpong, who was subbed off midway through the second half.
Iraola allays Frimpong injury fears
While the Dutch international was withdrawn for Calum Scanlon, Iraola confirmed that it was due to an overload and not an injury.
“Jeremie [Frimpong] asked for the sub [but] I don’t think it’s an injury,” said the Liverpool boss after the game.
“It was just some overload and I hope he’s not injured in that way. I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”
Andoni Iraola reaction: Defeat by Leeds in Chicago, Frimpong fitness and tour reflections 💬
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 2, 2026
Liverpool are already wafer-thin at the back. Virgil van Dijk hasn’t featured in pre-season yet, while the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are also injured.
The same could be said about Conor Bradley, while Joe Gomez recently joined them on the treatment table.
Losing Frimpong would be calamitous for Iraola as that would leave him with just Calvin Ramsey as the only fit right back in the squad.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Andoni Iraola Confirms First-Team Integration Plan for Liverpool Youngsters
Andoni Iraola Confirms First-Team Integration Plan for Liverpool Youngsters
Watch: Luke Chambers opens the scoring for Liverpool vs Leeds United
Watch: Luke Chambers opens the scoring for Liverpool vs Leeds United