As Andoni Iraola boarded the flight home from Chicago following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds United, he undoubtedly had plenty to reflect upon.
On one hand, Liverpool produced arguably their best football since Iraola took charge during an impressive first half.
On the other, the second 45 minutes exposed weaknesses that cannot simply be ignored.
The defeat may ultimately prove to be Liverpool’s most useful pre-season fixture.
Two Very Different Halves
For the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool looked every bit the team supporters have been hoping to see.
With Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak making their long-awaited returns, the Reds played with intensity, purpose and fluidity.
They controlled possession, pressed aggressively and deservedly established a 2-0 lead through Luke Chambers and Wirtz.
Everything appeared to be moving in the right direction.
Then came the second half.
Leeds scored four unanswered goals in just 25 minutes, turning the match completely on its head.
Squad Depth Still a Concern
Iraola made significant changes after the break, which is perfectly normal during pre-season.
However, the collapse highlighted an issue many supporters have already identified.
Liverpool’s squad depth remains a concern.
By the closing stages, Liverpool’s back line consisted of:
● Calvin Ramsay
● Ifeanyi Ndukwe
● Mor Talla Ndiaye
● Kostas Tsimikas
While several of those players have bright futures, the difference in experience was obvious.
Against a physical Leeds side, Liverpool struggled to cope.
Physicality Exposed Again
Perhaps the biggest concern was how easily Leeds scored.
Long throws.
Crosses.
Aerial duels.
Liverpool looked vulnerable whenever the ball entered the penalty area.
It is an issue that has surfaced before and one that still appears unresolved.
The lack of physical presence in defence remains something Iraola and Liverpool’s recruitment team will undoubtedly be discussing.
Set-Piece Problems Continue
Liverpool’s struggles defending set pieces were once again evident.
The organisation that looked so solid in the first half disappeared after the interval.
Whether due to the wholesale changes or simply a lack of experience, Leeds found far too much joy attacking deliveries into the box.
If Liverpool are serious about competing for major honours, improving in these situations must become a priority.
Senior Players Must Lead
While younger players understandably require time to develop, some senior figures also failed to impose themselves after coming on.
Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa, in particular, were unable to steady the team once momentum swung in Leeds’ favour.
Iraola will expect far more from experienced players in those moments.
When a game begins to unravel, leadership becomes just as important as tactics.
Reinforcements on the Way
Fortunately for Iraola, help is arriving.
Over the coming days he will finally meet:
● Virgil van Dijk
● Cody Gakpo
● Alisson Becker
● New signing Víctor Muñoz
Only Alexis Mac Allister will remain absent a little longer following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.
Those returns will strengthen both the quality and leadership of the squad considerably.
Recruitment Priorities Becoming Clearer
One comment from Iraola earlier this week now feels particularly relevant.
> “I think we’ve learned a lot and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things.”
The Spaniard admitted after the game that this was probably Liverpool’s most useful friendly despite the disappointing result.
It may also help shape the remainder of the transfer window.
Liverpool have yet to make any additions during the USA tour.
That was partly because Iraola wanted to assess the squad before making final decisions.
After witnessing such contrasting halves against Leeds, he now has much clearer evidence of where improvements are needed.
A Defeat That Could Help Liverpool
No manager enjoys losing.
But sometimes defeat provides greater clarity than victory.
Liverpool’s excellent first-half display showed what Iraola wants his team to become.
The disastrous second half highlighted how far they still have to go.
If the lessons from Chicago influence Liverpool’s remaining transfer business, this disappointing evening may ultimately prove to be one of the most valuable moments of the Reds’ pre-season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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