Iraola targets Liverpool team supporters can be proud of

Andoni Iraola says Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States has given him an important opportunity to assess his squad as he begins his tenure as manager, with the club preparing for a friendly against Monaco on Sunday.

Liverpool will also face Como next week as they build towards their opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle United later this month.

“Our tour of the United States was positive, and it was also a very important beginning for me and my coaching staff at the club,” Iraola told Liverpool’s official website.

The Reds have used their time in the United States to give players minutes and continue preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. They began the tour with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland before beating Wrexham 1-0.

Their final match in the United States ended in defeat, however, as Leeds United won 4-2.

Iraola believes the upcoming fixtures against Monaco and Como will provide further useful tests before the competitive season begins.

“Facing Monaco, along with the two matches scheduled for next week against Como, will be extremely useful for us as we begin preparing for our first Premier League match against Newcastle in a few weeks,” he said.

Several members of Liverpool’s squad have only just returned to training after representing Spain and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

New signing Victor Munoz joined the group at the AXA Training Centre this week after being part of the Spain team that won the World Cup last month. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker have also resumed work with the squad.

Alexis Mac Allister, the last of Liverpool’s World Cup players to return, is due to join training on Monday.

Iraola said his ambition was to build a side that reflected the identity of Liverpool’s supporters and gave them reason to feel proud.

“We want to give you a team that you really feel represents you and that you are proud of, and we will do everything we can every day to achieve that,” he said.

“It is a journey that I want all of us to enjoy together, and I hope and believe it will lead us to success and to many happy moments that will remain in our memories in the future.”

Liverpool will play Como on Sunday, 16 August, in what is described as their final friendly before the new season begins. They then open their Premier League campaign away to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, 23 August.

The club finished fifth in the previous Premier League season, collecting 60 points. Their summer schedule has therefore provided Iraola with an early chance to work with his players, integrate the returning internationals and prepare the squad for the demands of the new campaign.