Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola believes his side took another positive step forward after edging Wrexham 1-0 in their second pre-season outing, praising a more cohesive team display despite the narrow scoreline.
The Reds maintained their perfect pre-season record thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s deflected second-half winner at Yankee Stadium in New York. While the match lacked the attacking fireworks of their previous outing, Iraola was encouraged by the overall improvement in the team’s structure and teamwork.
Liverpool Looking More United
Reflecting on the victory, Iraola admitted the performance felt stronger than the previous game, even if the scoreline suggested otherwise.
“I think overall we were more solid than the other day,” he said. “It was a different kind of game because the pitch is quite narrow and there wasn’t much space. Even though we scored more goals in the last match, today we looked more like a team. We were more collective, and that’s something I’m very happy with.”
The manager emphasized that pre-season is about much more than results, with fitness, chemistry, and tactical understanding remaining the primary objectives.
Youngsters Continue to Impress
Liverpool once again handed valuable minutes to several academy prospects, and Iraola was pleased with how they handled the challenge against experienced opponents.
He singled out Luke Chambers, who was deployed at center-back despite facing physically stronger attackers.
“Luke covered very well and played confidently from the back,” Iraola said. “The wingers, Josh Abe and Kieran Morrison, also did well. Overall, the young players gave us some really encouraging performances.”
He also praised Lewis Koumas and Will Wright, who impressed both in and out of possession.
“They worked hard with the press, attacked the spaces well, and linked up nicely with Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai and the rest of the team. Both of them did a very good job.”
Liverpool Still Building Their Identity
Although satisfied with the progress, Iraola admitted Liverpool are still some way from reaching the level he wants before the new campaign begins.
“We’re not there yet,” he admitted. “Sometimes we’re still arriving a little late in certain situations, but compared to the first half against Sunderland, we’ve definitely taken a step forward.”
The Liverpool boss believes each friendly is helping the squad grow together.
“Every game we want to get closer to where we need to be. We’ve been relying on a lot of young players, but now we’ll gradually bring the senior players back into the group so we’re ready for the start of the season.”
Trey Nyoni Earns Special Praise
One player who particularly caught Iraola’s attention was highly-rated midfielder Trey Nyoni, whose composure on the ball continues to impress.
“Trey is incredibly calm in possession,” Iraola explained. “He reads the game well, and we’ve been pushing him to improve his work without the ball, especially his pressing. He’s responding brilliantly.”
The manager revealed that Liverpool are encouraging the youngster to be even more adventurous in possession.
“We tell him to keep looking for the No.10, the striker, or even passes in behind. Even if he loses the ball occasionally, we want him to keep trying because he has that quality.”
Iraola believes Nyoni possesses a rare confidence for a young midfielder.
“He never seems bothered by pressure. Even when an opponent is right on him, he still wants the ball and never rushes. That’s a really valuable quality.”
Senior Stars Set for Leeds Return
Liverpool supporters won’t have to wait much longer to see several first-team stars in action.
Iraola confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Alex Isak, and Jeremy Jacquet, who remained in Chicago during the Wrexham fixture, are expected to make their first pre-season appearances against Leeds United this weekend.
“The plan is for them to get their first minutes against Leeds,” he said. “We’ll manage their playing time carefully because they’ve had fewer training sessions, but they should be ready to start integrating into the squad.”
A Familiar Return to Yankee Stadium
The match also marked a return to familiar surroundings for Iraola, who previously played for New York City FC.
The Spaniard admitted he still has fond memories of the unique venue.
“I love this place,” he smiled. “It’s a difficult stadium because it’s narrow and the spaces are tight. When I played here it actually suited me because I didn’t have the legs anymore, so I could hide that a little! But you have to be very precise because there’s so little room to work with.”
With two victories from two pre-season matches, Liverpool continue to build momentum as Iraola gradually introduces his senior stars while giving promising youngsters valuable opportunities to impress ahead of the new season.
