Liverpool Open Pre-Season Training Under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool players return to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday to begin their pre-season preparations. This marks the official start of the Andoni Iraola era, and with the squad scheduled to head to the United States in just one week, these opening training sessions carry significant weight.

Pre-season typically begins in stages. With some players still away, others dealing with injuries, and various academy youngsters joining the senior setup, the current group differs from the final squad Liverpool expects to field when the Premier League season kicks off.

In goal, the makeup of the squad shows immediate changes. Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to participate from the first day alongside new arrival Freddie Woodman. Young Hungarian goalkeeper Armin Pécsi will also undergo a close evaluation as Iraola begins his decision-making process.

Goalkeepers and defenders report early

Defensively, Jérémy Jacquet joins the senior setup after demonstrating his fitness with the Under-21s. Joe Gomez will be present alongside new signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Kostas Tsimikas also returns for the initial phase following a season-long loan spell at Roma.

These arrivals provide Iraola with a solid defensive foundation. While the squad remains incomplete, the current group is sufficient for the manager to begin implementing his desired shape, pressing structures, and core tactical patterns during this first week.

Midfield options offer familiar quality

The midfield unit appears more settled. Harvey Elliott rejoins the first-team squad following his loan at Aston Villa last season. They will be joined immediately by Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell.

This combination of experienced senior talent and high-energy younger players should satisfy Iraola’s demand for intensity. These sessions offer the younger midfielders a vital opportunity to impress the new coaching staff.

Attack looks light before USA tour

Liverpool currently faces a shortage of options in the attacking third. Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha are the only established first-team attackers expected to participate in these opening sessions. This situation creates a clear path for academy prospects to fill the gaps and compete for senior spots.

Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright are all set to be involved. A strong performance during this week could secure a spot on the upcoming USA tour, potentially altering the trajectory of their seasons.

Injuries and late returns will shape the picture

Several players will miss the opening day due to injury, including Vítězslav Jaros, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajčetić, and Hugo Ekitike.

The squad depth will improve significantly once the team arrives in the United States. Virgil van Dijk is expected to link up with the group there, alongside Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo. Alisson Becker is scheduled to return shortly thereafter, while Alexis Mac Allister and Daniel Muñoz are expected to rejoin in mid-August following their deep runs in the World Cup.

For now, Iraola works with a partial squad on a short timeline. However, the manager remains focused on establishing high standards, tactical clarity, and a consistent tempo, knowing that the rest of the group will integrate in due course.