Iraola says Liverpool have work to do as familiar frailties in defence prove costly

<ul><li><p>Head coach frustrated by ‘tired’ performance</p></li><li><p>Monaco come from two down to win 3-2 at Anfield</p></li></ul><p>Andoni Iraola told his Liverpool team they have work to do after squandering a 2-0 lead against Monaco to lose a second successive pre-season friendly.</p><p>The former Bournemouth coach last managed a game at Anfield almost exactly a year ago in the memorable opener to the 2025-26 Premier League season, a game the Cherries were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/15/liverpool-bournemouth-premier-league-match-report">unfortunate to lose 4-2</a>. Now on his debut in the home dugout, Iraola saw his team produce a similarly open display and lose again. It became clear Liverpool’s longstanding defensive frailties are still to be eliminated.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/09/andoni-iraola-liverpool-monaco-preseason-friendly-anfield">Continue reading...</a>