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)
Andoni Iraola has stressed that “a lot of hard work on the training ground” is still needed to build his side’s fitness to execute the intensity he demands.
After a season where the squad’s training volume and physical fitness were questioned, this summer has seen Iraola point to the struggle his side faces in sustaining performances across 90 minutes.
While it is still pre-season and building match fitness is part of the process, the repeated message has been that the squad has plenty of work to do on the training pitch.
“The problem we had [against Monaco], as we had against Leeds in Chicago, was that we were not able to sustain our levels,” Iraola penned in his Como programme notes.
“That is something that can only happen with time, and with a lot of hard work on the training ground,” he explained.
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch 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 Ryan Gravenberch 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)
Iraola insists that his squad are “moving in the right direction,” but as his intense style demands sustained effort, his words are a reminder of his high standards and expectations.
“I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch, about the intensity, the intent and the energy we are looking for,” Iraola added.
“While it is clear that there is still a lot of improvement to come, I believe that we are moving in the right direction and I expect that to continue in the coming days and weeks as the season gets under way.”
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The early single-game weeks will give Iraola time to work with his team on the training pitch, but the start of midweek matches will quickly heighten the need for a fully fit squad.
He said: “There is no doubt in my mind about the quality and the potential we have within our squad, and now it is up to us to show that on a consistent basis going forward.”
Iraola has previously explained that he will embrace rotation, but he needs his squad to have a strong foundation if he is to rely on them for the duration of a 50+ game season.
Players will be pushed closer to the 90-minute mark in Sunday’s final pre-season friendlies against Como, two fixtures that will offer a better look at who is ready to complete 90 minutes.
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
Henry Bezos
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