Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will have plenty to reflect on during the flight back from Chicago after watching his side suffer a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in their final pre-season match in the United States.
The scoreline told two very different stories. Liverpool were outstanding in the opening 45 minutes, producing arguably their most convincing football since Iraola arrived at Anfield. However, everything unraveled after the break as Leeds struck four unanswered goals in just 25 minutes, exposing several weaknesses that the Reds must address before the new season begins.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half showcased exactly what Iraola wants from his team. Liverpool pressed aggressively, dominated possession, and looked full of confidence going forward.
But the second half painted a completely different picture.
With numerous substitutions made at halftime, Liverpool lost their rhythm and intensity. While pre-season friendlies are designed to give players valuable minutes, the manner of the collapse will concern Iraola far more than the result itself.
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, took full advantage of Liverpool’s inexperienced defensive line, which eventually featured Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, and Kostas Tsimikas. The Reds looked vulnerable defensively, struggled physically, and once again showed signs of weakness when defending set-pieces.
The contrast between both halves could hardly have been more striking.
Squad Depth Raises Questions
One of the biggest takeaways from the defeat was Liverpool’s lack of depth.
Once several senior starters left the pitch, Leeds began to dominate physically and tactically. Experienced players such as Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa were unable to steady the team as momentum shifted, leaving Iraola with plenty of evidence that reinforcements may still be needed before the transfer window closes.
Earlier this week, the Liverpool boss admitted that August is never an easy month.
“I particularly hate this month of August because you start the competitions and you still don’t know if some of the players are going to leave and who’s going to come. There is a lot of uncertainty.”
Those words now carry even greater significance after Liverpool’s second-half collapse.
Key Players Return with Positive Impact
Despite the disappointing finish, there were plenty of encouraging signs from Liverpool’s biggest stars.
Summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both returned to action and immediately improved the team’s attacking play.
The pair, who arrived for a combined fee of around £225 million last summer, looked sharp throughout the first half. Their movement, pressing, and understanding gave Leeds constant problems, while Wirtz capped his performance with a well-taken goal after an excellent team move involving Jeremie Frimpong, Trey Nyoni, and Isak.
Their return offers Iraola genuine optimism as Liverpool prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign.
Youngsters Continue to Impress
Liverpool’s academy talents also enjoyed another positive outing.
Luke Chambers opened the scoring in just the seventh minute, continuing his impressive adaptation to a makeshift central defensive role. The youngster reacted quickest following Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner to fire home from close range.
On the wings, Rio Ngumoha was once again a constant threat, using his pace and direct running to stretch Leeds’ defence throughout the first half.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Trey Nyoni continued his outstanding pre-season. The midfielder displayed maturity beyond his years, controlling possession confidently and helping create Wirtz’s goal with an excellent cross-field delivery.
Nyoni has been linked with a possible loan move this summer, but performances like these may convince Iraola to keep him in the first-team squad. Having featured sparingly last season, the youngster appears ready to play a much bigger role in Liverpool’s campaign.
Transfer Decisions Still to Come
Liverpool now return to the AXA Training Centre, where Iraola will finally be able to work with several key players who were unavailable during the US tour.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson Becker, and new signing Victor Munoz are all expected to join the group in the coming days. Alexis Mac Allister remains the only senior player still absent after being granted extended leave following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.
So far, Liverpool have not completed any new signings during the tour, partly because Iraola wanted to fully assess the squad before making transfer decisions.
Sunday’s defeat may have accelerated those conversations.
Iraola Sees the Bigger Picture
While no manager enjoys ending a tour with a heavy defeat, Iraola believes the match provided valuable lessons before the competitive season begins.
“I think we learned a lot. Obviously it’s not the result you want, but it was probably the most useful friendly we played. There were positives in the first half and negatives in the second. We’ve learned a lot, and now we can take those conclusions and solve some things.”
Liverpool leave America with mixed emotions. The first half demonstrated the exciting football Iraola is building at Anfield, while the second exposed the work still required.
With the Premier League opener fast approaching, Liverpool now know exactly where improvements are needed—and there is still time to make them.
