We cannot sustain the level we want – Iraola

Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield to welcome new manager Andoni Iraola and his team for their first home match, which attracted a full stadium against Monaco. Despite a sell-out crowd and an exciting atmosphere, the manager's side managed to lose the game for the second consecutive match after leading twice. Iraola acknowledged that they did not have the necessary depth to sustain their high level of play.

He drew a comparison between this match and the previous one against Leeds. The manager stated that while they won their first two pre-season games, they struggled to maintain their performance in the last two. Iraola emphasized that they have work to do in order to improve. With only two pre-season games remaining, there is still time to make necessary adjustments before the start of the Premier League season.

The team will face Como in their next pre-season game on 16 August, followed by their first Premier League match against Newcastle. The return of center-back Virgil van Dijk, alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo, is crucial for the team. Additionally, the arrival of Ronald Araujo, who is on loan from Barcelona, and Jeremy Jacquet, who is yet to be fully integrated into training, will add further depth to the squad.

Iraola expressed his desire to build a team that can truly represent Liverpool and make the fans proud. The performances of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who cost the club a combined fee of £225m last summer, have given Iraola and the fans hope for the upcoming season. Despite the defeat by Monaco, both players showed their potential, particularly Isak who scored the opening goal.