Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, with manager Andoni Iraola expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance. Goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet secured the win, which followed an earlier 0-0 draw against the same opposition in a closed-door session. The dual fixture schedule provided Iraola with valuable insights into the squad’s readiness ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Iraola highlighted the significance of finishing pre-season with both a clean sheet and a victory, noting that the team maintained defensive solidity despite a second-half dip in performance. “I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game,” the manager explained, acknowledging that while the opening 45 minutes showed greater sharpness, the squad remained composed throughout. The controlled conclusion to preparations represents an important psychological boost before competitive action resumes.
Among the standout individual contributions, Jacquet and Ronald Araujo impressed on their respective debuts for the club. Iraola reserved particular praise for the new signings, noting their immediate impact at both ends of the pitch. Right-back Jérémy Frimpong also earned recognition after completing a full 90 minutes, combining defensive discipline with attacking support. These performances suggest the new recruits are adapting quickly to Iraola’s tactical requirements.
Looking ahead to Newcastle United’s visit next weekend, Iraola emphasized the importance of continued physical development and tactical understanding. He stressed that additional training sessions will prove crucial for building cohesion among the squad members, with players needing to demonstrate problem-solving abilities during match situations.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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