Liverpool's final preseason match in the United States ended in defeat, as Leeds launched an almighty fightback on Sunday to deny the Reds a clean sweep of victories
Liverpool fell to defeat against Leeds in Chicago
Liverpool fell to defeat against Leeds in Chicago(Image: (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images))
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has claimed that the defeat to Leeds in preseason has "ruined" his trip to the United States, with the team's tour of America coming to a close.
The Reds have spent two weeks in the States, as Andoni Iraola got a first look at some of the players at his disposal ahead of the new Premier League campaign. There was some success, with two wins over Wrexham and Sunderland providing some hope, as well as some insight into the style that the manager is trying to implement — albeit with a roster that is a mixture of senior players and academy stars.
There has also been the breakthrough of Trey Nyoni, who was given some minutes last season, but has thrived through the preseason to stake a real claim to a place in the team under Iraola next season.
However, the defeat to Leeds raised some concerns for Liverpool, which needs to be taken in the context of it only being preseason, but with the warning for what could come.
A capitulation saw the Reds go from 2-0 up, through goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, to 4-2 down by the time the final whistle blew. For Fowler, despite the positives, it's a clash that will be a lasting memory of the tour.
The former player told LFCTV: "I mean the trip over here to Chicago has been really good, hasn’t it? The players have looked sharp, and it was two positive performances before this one.
“I thought Liverpool were very good in the first half. And then the second half really came from nowhere, didn’t it? I did not see that coming. That’s ruined my trip.
Robbie Fowler was in the United States to see Liverpool's tour unfold
Robbie Fowler was in the United States to see Liverpool's tour unfold(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
"It has been a great tour, but the Liverpool fans at home will be watching this, and I think that second half is what they will remember this tour for.
“Leeds got the momentum when Liverpool came out slow, and they never let go. They just wrestled the game away from Liverpool. We didn’t look like scoring.
“I know there are some young center-backs in there, but Leeds physically overpowered us for some of those goals. I know it may seem harsh, but Liverpool fans will remember that game most from the tour.
"They’ll remember that game and getting hammered in the second half."
While it will be a frustrating moment for Liverpool to reflect on, there will be plenty for Iraola to learn from the tour that he can take into next season, making the trip more than worthwhile.
Attention will quickly turn toward a return to the United Kingdom, where the likes of Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Victor Munoz will unite with the team for the final two friendly fixtures.
AS Monaco await later this week, before a clash with Como the week after, to round out the final few days of preseason before the campaign gets fully underway.