10 Aug 2026 07:52:11
A few observations from yesterday’s friendly. I previously called for Gakpo to be replaced but after his World Cup performances and yesterday’s showing I think he should now stay. I think he might benefit from Ireola’s high press tactics and will provide cover as a centre forward if needed. He also had to deal with a tragic personal issue towards the end of last season. I fall on my sword on this one!
First the negatives - Mamardashvili inspires no confidence especially with his footwork. Elliot looks overweight and a shadow of his former self. Never been a fan of Chisea and don’t think he’s good enough as a back up striker for us. It hurts me to say it but Endo may have left his better days behind him though he is coming back from injury.
Jones did not play and neither should he. His head’s been turned and if he can’t commit to the club bye bye.
Positives - Ndukwe looks as the real deal, the club should bend over backwards to sort out a work permit for the lad. Nyoni and Koumas for me have shown enough to be included in the senior squad. I think Wirtz & Isak may be a big threat to opposition defences next season. Then apart from Slobs everyone else in the senior squad need to improve their fitness levels before what I perceive as a tough season ahead for the club.
I think we need three more signings before the season starts, a right back, defensive midfielder and a right winger (which Barcola isn’t).
10 Aug 2026 08:53:35
I think we need to keep Gakpo as we simply don't have adequate Isak cover.
10 Aug 2026 09:05:50
It's only pre season, so it's way too early to call, but Araola looks like a tradesman that currently doesn't have the correct tools to do his job.
Similar thing happened when Klopp came in, and it cost a substantial amount of money and time for him to get the tools (squad) he needed.
So far Araola has been backed with one permanent signing and a loan to transfer this squad. He's going to need far more substantial backing than that for this to work, otherwise it could be the right man at the wrong time.
10 Aug 2026 09:27:11
Been a summer of standing still so far imo. The man needs some better players or we will struggle to finish top 5. But I do think they will indeed get him some better players before Sept 1st.
10 Aug 2026 09:45:21
Fully agree, MoT.
10 Aug 2026 09:58:44
Definitely keep Gakpo (even if we get Barcola). The squad needs depth in all positions.
I honestly think we will improve drastically with a DM, or a deep-lying mid that can pass and snuff out danger with his positional awareness. That will take the pressure off the backline as it looks like we are set to commit a lot of players forward during attacks.
If we get the players Iraola wants, I can see us hitting our stride in cup competitions (inc CL) late on in the season, once everyone has absorbed the new playing philosophy and is fitter. I think something similar happened with PSG and Enrique.
10 Aug 2026 10:07:17
I don't want Jones to commit. I want a better player in his place. What's with this attitude that this squad is so great or established? Players like have had their chance. It's time to improve.
10 Aug 2026 09:45:20
But, JK, last season's squad was good enough. We would've walked the league if it wasn't for that pesky bald fraud. Everyone on here was saying so.
10 Aug 2026 10:11:53
Think that Gakpo will be left (unless sold) and Barcola on the right, backed up by Munoz and Rio.
10 Aug 2026 10:36:16
Rome, I'll be honest. Slot's set up last year was awful, but the players also downed tools and there is never ever any excuse for that.
Slot has gone now, so either the players will fall on their swords or they need to step up.
10 Aug 2026 10:47:43
We cannot sell Gakpo if we are not gonna bring in a backup cf to shoulder the load with Isak. That simply cannot happen.
@Man of Todd is absolutely right.
10 Aug 2026 11:05:56
Of the team that finished the game, only Kerkez will be a regular starter. Iraola has used the second halves of each friendly to give opportunities to the squad to stake a claim. Absolutely no game management involved, and the results tell us nothing about how the season will pan out.
The main priority now is getting (and keeping) Isak fit and firing, and he's looking sharper already. Great turn and finish in a tight space yesterday. Similar could be said for Wirtz, both going to be vital to any success this year.
Been impressed with Nyoni, he's improved his physicality massively (obviously as he reaches adulthood) and is a very tidy player with a decent passing range.
Could replace Jones for me.
I thought Endo did OK considering he's returning from a lengthy injury and being played at CB. Rio and Munoz are the only others I expect to get many minutes from the team that finished the game.
Been disappointed with Harvey and Fede, neither seem to be seizing the opportunity to impress the new manager.
Squad still needs some work, but I'm optimistic about the season ahead. No point otherwise.
Taking my 9 year old for his first Anfield experience against Como on Sunday. :)
10 Aug 2026 11:30:12
Agree, JK. I said all season that some (most) of the players had to take responsibility as well. The football was awful, which was down to Slot, but it wasn't just him.
As things stand, the squad we've got will struggle to get top 6. It's a massive few weeks for Richard Hughes.
10 Aug 2026 17:52:19
It saddens me to say, but Harvey was terrible when he came on yesterday. I hope he can turn things around. It's great to see a player genuinely love the club. Preseason games end up being so disjointed. I think it's pretty tough for those coming on late in the second half. Hopefully he improves and stakes his claim.