Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has outlined his plans to make the most of a one-game-a-week Premier League schedule before the Champions League campaign begins in September
Andoni Iraola led Liverpool to a 2-0 victory on Sunday
Andoni Iraola led Liverpool to a 2-0 victory on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola believes his Liverpool players must capitalize on their one-match-per-week schedule at the start of the campaign to ensure they're fully prepared for the busier period ahead.
The Reds will kick off their Champions League journey in the second week of September and face just one Premier League fixture weekly until then, beginning with a visit to Newcastle on Sunday.
Iraola watched his team conclude its preseason program with a 2-0 victory over Serie A side Como at Anfield, courtesy of strikes from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet, who was making his unofficial debut after his transfer from Rennes at the beginning of July.
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The new head coach insists that he and his coaching staff must ensure the players use their forthcoming three weeks of training sessions as effectively as possible before the fixture congestion begins.
"We are better than we were last week (in the 3-2 home loss to Monaco), but I hope next week we are better than we were today," Iraola told LFCTV.
"It's normal. The first halves are better than the second, but today lots of players played 80 minutes, 90 minutes.
Jeremy Jacquet made his Liverpool debut against Como
Jeremy Jacquet made his Liverpool debut against Como(Image: Getty Images)
"They finished with no cramps, nothing major, so it is keep building these levels, mentally as well, when you are not as fresh, keep the focus so you don't make the big mistakes. It's an improvement, but especially second half, we need to do better.
"We have now the first two weeks of the season, we have full weeks where we can train, we need to train together, some players who started today, we need to build relationships to have these players, to be able to solve problems by themselves on the pitch.
"We need to analyze what we can improve, especially in the second half today. So we have to use these two or three weeks so we are ready for the new season.
"I think everyone understands we need every player, every time, every minute, and that is the commitment.
"I am happy with the attitude of the players, I am asking them to do things that is a bit different, especially without the ball, and they are trying to get it.
"It is not perfect, and we have things we need to improve, but I am very happy with the attitude, the willingness to be on the same page, and we will get there."
Discussing the debuts of the impressive Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, who replaced the former at half-time, Iraola commented: "Yes, both of them, Jeremy played really well.
"Ronald played really well as well, and when you have new faces, both of them played so well. It was a very good performance from Jeremie Frimpong, 90 minutes. He helped us offensively but also closed off his side. So some good performances at the back."