Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge at Anfield ended in defeat, but the real story was the second-half collapse that echoed last season’s frailties under Arne Slot. Liverpool led twice, only to concede three unanswered goals in a 2-3 loss to Monaco, a result that underlined how far their recruitment remains from complete. The match served as a reminder that, while the club has added Victor Munoz, the wider squad overhaul is still a work in progress.
What unfolded in a pre-season setback
Liverpool twice came from behind to take the lead at Anfield, only for Monaco to respond with three second-half goals. The visitors’ winner arrived after a set-piece, a pattern that has blighted Liverpool in recent seasons. Iraola’s side looked organised in patches, but the defensive lapses that defined Slot’s final weeks resurfaced under pressure. The defeat was a setback in a friendly, yet it carried the weight of a club still searching for the right balance. Alexander Isak’s cameo offered a glimpse of what Liverpool’s attack could look like, but a friendly goal is no substitute for proven Premier League impact. Florian Wirtz’s contribution, though modest, provided a rare moment of optimism in an otherwise disjointed display.
The recruitment gap that cannot be ignored
Liverpool’s transfer business has stalled since Munoz’s arrival in June, leaving key positions unaddressed. The club remains without a natural replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank, where Lewis Koumas featured as a stopgap. Yan Diomande, another target, slipped away earlier in the window, while Bradley Barcola’s move remains blocked by Paris Saint-Germain’s valuation. The Gunners’ reported interest in Barcola underscores the competition for elite talent, forcing Liverpool to recalibrate their approach. Arsenal’s pursuit of alternatives only highlights the urgency for Liverpool to finalise deals before the window closes.
Reports suggest Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is set for a medical, a potential boost to Liverpool’s defensive options. Yet the bigger picture remains unchanged: the club’s recruitment is far from finished. The absence of a right-sided attacker to replace Salah’s directness and creativity is particularly glaring, while the left-back position—once a strength—now relies on a returning Kostas Tsimikas as a stopgap solution. The Monaco defeat was a reminder that squad depth, not just individual signings, will determine whether Iraola’s Liverpool can avoid repeating last season’s late collapses.
Where the parallels with last season end
The similarities between Iraola’s debut and Slot’s unravelling are undeniable, but the context differs. Competitive football is not yet in play, and Iraola can use this loss to tighten his squad before the Premier League curtain rises. The arrival of Ronald Araujo remains a priority, with reports confirming he is set for a medical. Yet the bigger question is whether Liverpool’s recruitment can keep pace with their ambitions. As noted in recent analysis, the club’s transfer activity remains a concern, and the window is running down. The urgency of shoring up the squad is one Iraola cannot afford to ignore.
If these players are to justify their price tags, the squad around them must be shored up immediately. The Monaco defeat was a setback, but it was also a clarion call: Liverpool’s recruitment is far from finished, and the clock is ticking. The next two weeks will define whether Iraola inherits a squad capable of challenging for the title—or one that struggles to avoid the same pitfalls as his predecessor.
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