CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (R) react to conceding his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (R) react to conceding his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While there were positives to take from the first half, Liverpool’s 4-2 loss against Leeds highlighted to reporters the necessity for new signings.
It was very much a classic case of ‘a game of two halves’ as the Reds took a two-goal lead before conceding four in 25 minutes.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were both bright, as was Trey Nyoni who asserted his credentials to be a real option for Andoni Iraola this season.
However, the second-half collapse left reporters focussed on the squad’s weaknesses.
Here’s how the media reacted to Liverpool 2-4 Leeds in Chicago.
Liverpool need better squad depth
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's players line-up for a team group photograph before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Back row (L-R): goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, captain Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak. Front row (L-R): Florian Wirtz, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's players line-up for a team group photograph before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Back row (L-R): goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, captain Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak. Front row (L-R): Florian Wirtz, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There was a common theme among journalists, many of whom wrote that the team’s second-half showing confirmed the Reds lack of seniority in depth.
James Pearce of the Athletic used his column inches to spotlight Liverpool’s shortage of defenders:
“The youngsters have done well in the circumstances and credit to academy graduate Chambers, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic.
“However, the manner in which Liverpool fell to pieces in the second half in Chicago laid bare the importance of needing to strengthen both at centre-back and right-back.
“They just don’t have sufficient depth for the challenges ahead.”
Frustrating second half for Liverpool, although positives to take from the first – Trey Nyoni’s performance chief among them. Overall, a positive couple of weeks in the US but would argue #LFC need a minimum of three first-team ready signings if they want to compete next season.
— Beth Lindop (@beth_lindop) August 2, 2026
Aadam Patel of the BBC felt similarly:
“Iraola did make a raft of changes at the break and in the second half but that is no excuse for the way they capitulated against Daniel Farke’s side.
“Their lack of squad depth and physicality was alarmingly exposed and Iraola will be concerned with the ease with which Leeds scored, albeit against an inexperienced backline that finished with Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Kostas Tsimikas.”
Set-piece defending needs to improve
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Ifeanyi Ndukwe challenges for a header with Leeds United's captain Ethan Ampadu (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Ifeanyi Ndukwe challenges for a header with Leeds United's captain Ethan Ampadu (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool conceded two goals from long throws, highlighting an obvious weakness in the side. On both occasions, the ball was flicked on at the near side of the area to an unmarked white shirt to finish.
“It was two Hail Mary-style throw-ins that propelled Leeds to victory. Shrewd runs off the ball from Calvert-Lewin, abysmal defending from Liverpool.
“Given the Reds’ set-piece frailties last season, it is a glaringly obvious area to improve. It does not help that several senior defenders are injured, with Jeremie Frimpong limping off in the second half.
“The Dutchman’s issue is the fifth in the back four with Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni all out – and captain Virgil van Dijk not on this trip.”
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz’s performances were promising
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While the result didn’t look good at full time, there were positives to take, particularly from the first half, as Wirtz and Isak demonstrated how they could link up this season.
“Ring-rusty or not, they both brought an immediate improvement to Liverpool’s performance level and displayed a rapport that will be crucial to realising Iraola’s vision next season.
“Isak looked sharper, more aware of his teammates and more involved in a Liverpool performance than he did during a first season hindered by fitness and injury problems…
“It was Isak who instigated the counterattack that led to Liverpool winning a corner having weathered early set-piece pressure. Isak also led Liverpool’s pressing game with an aggression and relentlessness that augurs well.
“Wirtz was involved in much of Liverpool’s best work during his 45 minutes on the pitch. His instinctive link-up play with Isak and Ngumoha, who gave James Justin a torrid time at right back, caused Leeds frequent problems.”
Pearce of the Athletic echoed Hunter’s thoughts:
“Isak led the line with Wirtz occupying the No 10 role he favours and they helped set the tone for a dominant first-half display with their work off the ball as well as their quality on it.
“Swedish striker Isak dropped deep at times to link play intelligently with Wirtz running into the space behind him. Wirtz was a creative force with an incisive pass through to Rio Ngumoha, who was thwarted by Rodon’s challenge.”
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Brentford FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
2 x collage (19)
2 x collage (19)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)