We cannot sustain the level we want - Iraola

Liverpool fans greeted new manager Andoni Iraola and his team with an enthusiastic turnout for their inaugural home match following his appointment. Despite a sell-out crowd witnessing the start of a fresh chapter, Iraola's side faltered for the second consecutive game by relinquishing a two-goal lead, following a series of substitutions.

Iraola lamented the lack of quality depth within the squad, drawing a parallel to their recent loss against Leeds. The manager acknowledged that while they played well in the opening half, particularly a pivotal 30-minute segment, the team presently lacks the sustained performance necessary to maintain such a level throughout the entire match.

He emphasized that once changes were made, players started to tire, hindering their ability to sustain the desired standard. Iraola's team has two pre-season games ahead - a double header against Como on August 16th - preceding their Premier League season kickoff against Newcastle. The upcoming fixture will determine the identity of the center-back partner to Virgil van Dijk, who recently returned from an extended break post-World Cup alongside fellow defender Alisson and striker Cody Gakpo.

The season also sees the imminent arrival of Ronald Araujo, who is expected to complete his loan move from Barcelona, although he may need to go on loan due to work permit constraints. Jeremy Jacquet, a 21-year-old from Rennes, remains to be fully integrated into training following a shoulder injury sustained in February and a recent knee issue.

Iraola expressed his intent to deliver a team the fans can rally behind, remarking on the importance of this friendly as a stepping stone towards that goal. He highlighted the integral roles of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who despite their recent defeat, demonstrate optimism for the forthcoming season. Wirtz and Isak's chemistry on the pitch was evident, with both players equally contributing to their team's offensive efforts.