Liverpool banter 7

09 Aug 2026 18:54:43
I actually think the main problem is lack of fitness. Yes, we need 2 or 3 more bodies, defo. Few guys who are not good enough need to be sold too. But we started the 2nd half tired, and that was with all the first teamers still on. They literally couldn’t push the pace any more, they were out on their feet.

We need to remember just how under-coached these players were last season. Any bit of physicality was coached out of them. It will take a few months to get that intensity, fitness and tenacity up to where it needs to be and where AI wants it.

Bear in mind, in a couple of weeks, we could have Araujo, Gomez, Jacquet, Jones and Macca on that bench. (Leoni soon too). A few of them may leave and a few will come in to replace them, hopefully, but you get my point. Some may say that’s underwhelming but with 1 or 2 additions, and more fitness in the team, come the end of the month I think the squad will take shape nicely and the bench will have decent options.

09 Aug 2026 19:20:30
Great point.

09 Aug 2026 19:36:10
It's also possible that they are being worked incredibly hard in training, that they have little in the tank for these games. I doubt the run up is anything like what it will be like for a prem game. At least that's what I'm hoping.



Few players' first game out there today.

I'm sure it's not going to be plain sailing from the off in the Premier League, but I'm convinced we will click into Iraola's style soon enough and we'll be a tough nut when we do.

09 Aug 2026 19:40:41
Totally agree, the first 11 seem just about ok, but need more depth and I think it will be fine by the time the window closes. Hopefully, Barcola in this week to bed in and a couple of others to enhance the playing squad. AI will have a pretty good idea of what he needs/wants.

09 Aug 2026 19:41:37
Also, I imagine training sessions have been hard to get fit for the season, without proper rest.

They're all professional athletes, I'd expect the fitness to be there sooner rather than later.

09 Aug 2026 20:04:03
Apart from last season.

10 Aug 2026 01:35:43
2nd half was dross. Had pace and excitement on both wings but our midfield and defense was in shambles.

But we now have the assets to push opposition line deeper before they start camping on their side of the pitch. In which we will have to fine tune our bait and press, combinations, and lock picking skills.

Waiting impatiently for Barcola, but Koumas deserves a shout in the match day squad, as a starter on the right or replacing Isak. Wouldn't mind for Gakpo to stay and play a Nistlerooy style of striker, both are Dutch and he should be able to.



Pivots, we have Szobo, Grava, Nyoni and Macca. McConnell & Bajcetic to standby.

Still think we should offload:
Jones, Elliott, Endo, Tsimi and Chiesa.

Bring in Barcola, Mbaye and probably wait for the right DM profile to be available. VVD can play DM for all I care, seems he does have the quality to do so; composed, ball retention & mastery, height, leadership and distribution. Especially since he's lost his speed. A Rodri type controller. Can drop between our CBs (Jacquet/Leoni & Araujo) to form a back 3 when in possession.

09 Aug 2026 18:44:38
Having watched the full game today. The first 30 minutes were really positive, we had energy were pressing well as a team and created plenty of opportunities. If we had been more ruthless we could have been at least 4-0 up. Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, Koumas and Szobo played some lovely stuff and pressed well.

Gravenberch was excellent in all aspects for the majority of the first half. Ndukwe was outstanding, looks a great prospect for us and honestly could do a job now if it weren't for the work permit issues. What I would say as well is for all the stick Gakpo gets, his work rate off the ball was there today he won possession high up a few times and did a lot more than just try to cut in and shoot like he was doing last season.

After the first 30 minutes we tired and Monaco grew into the game but never looked threatening really until Van Dijk gave away the penalty with a lazy challenge that didn't need to be made. Very similar to the pen he gave away against Brentford away last season.

But overall if the half time score had been 4-1 Monaco couldn't have complained.

The second half was the total opposite we never really got going and can't remember their keeper making many saves if any. Endo did his best and made some good challenges but was poor on the Monaco second goal. If I'm honest Ndukwe looked a lot stronger at the back for us. A lot of the players that came on second half didn't look anywhere near the quality from the first half. Nyoni when he came on started well and was definitely one of the better players for us in the second half. He was winning challenges, looked physically strong. His passing wasn't as good today as the previous games.

If I am honest Monaco's subs overall looked of better quality than the majority of ours. Marma made a couple of good saves, especially the first save he made before their second goal. However he looks far from comfortable with the ball this feet and that looks to be a big issue for him.

Can't read too much into pre season games as I remember Klopps first proper pre season we lamped Barcelona with Grujic looking really good and we know it didn't work out for him.

Overall it is more positive as the pressing and intensity is coming back and the football is better to watch. Given time I definitely feel Iraola can get more out of these players. Of the under 21 players Nyoni and Koumas look more than capable of having game time during the season and forming part of the first team squad.

Based off pre season and the minutes given today you would have to assume Chiesa and Elliott don't look likely to be on Iraola's plans.

09 Aug 2026 20:45:50
Agree, Llanelli.

09 Aug 2026 21:47:39
Thanks for the report, Llaneli. Didn't see the game. Just the highlights, so again, thanks for providing the perspective behind the highlights.

09 Aug 2026 18:17:55
Some of the fringe players did themselves no favours today. Wasn’t impressed with Dani Pacheco or Nabil El Zhar. Ngog made some decent runs off the ball but was terrible as soon as he got it as per usual. Can’t believe Milan Jovanovic is still here, looking thin up top. Get him sold and get Carlton Cole in before the end of the window.

09 Aug 2026 18:39:40
Chicken, we will be fine once we sign Konoplyanka mate.

09 Aug 2026 18:46:58
I thought Le Tallec had a good game.

09 Aug 2026 18:49:19
Joe Cole looked hungry to prove something, though, better be careful 1st game of season.

09 Aug 2026 19:06:09
Those step overs from Assaidi were mesmerising.

09 Aug 2026 19:07:16
Not sure Konoplyanka is what we need. Wouldn't mind that Alex Texiera though.

09 Aug 2026 19:10:36
Lambert looked slow, but he can finish. Not sure if he fits this system though.

09 Aug 2026 19:32:12
Been saying it for 15 years. Gaston Ramirez.

09 Aug 2026 19:38:48
I think Danny Wilson is the solution to our CB issues. He's got a really bright future.

09 Aug 2026 19:55:07
How did super fans know about such players before streaming?

Must have read up about them in The Beano.

09 Aug 2026 20:34:37
How have we sat there and watched Juan Mata go to Chelsea, then spent the same money on Stewart Downing. Get rid of Commoli for goodness sake.

09 Aug 2026 21:48:59
Chicken, don't tell me we're gonna have to go back in for The Welsh Xavi. Surely not.

09 Aug 2026 22:14:01
Think we're gonna have to, Oli, the gaffer doesn't seem to fancy Luis Alberto for some reason.

09 Aug 2026 17:53:21
Didn't catch the game but the result again will teach Iraola a lot more about his squad. Spearing mentioned pre-game about Koumas and his two loan spells helping him. To get in that first line-up, he must of impressed the boss. Same with Ndukwe, such a shame about his work permit.

09 Aug 2026 18:19:32
Yeah no review from me this time. I'm several drinks into a post-Sunday league session so alas, I did not watch.

Peace out. ✌️

09 Aug 2026 19:04:33
It was a Leeds repeat. First half was strong, less the penalty given away by VVD. Second half, we ran out of energy, and the subs broke up the game. Midfield still looks nonexistent defensively against a transition counter. Desperately need a first choice sitting DM, in my opinion.

All that said, it's pre-season, and AI said himself afterwards that the team clearly isn't fit enough, or to be more polite, AI said we don't have the energy for 90 mins yet, and he's right. Might be a tough start to the season!

09 Aug 2026 19:55:38
Not all super heroes wear capes, MK.

09 Aug 2026 17:34:18
If anyone is bored, grab some popcorn and go on X, everyone’s heads have fell off, you would think we are getting relegated. 🤣

09 Aug 2026 17:50:51
After a full season of terrible football, fans just want to be optimistic.

09 Aug 2026 18:00:20
Why anyone takes preseason friendlies seriously is beyond me.

09 Aug 2026 18:25:25
There are reasonable concerns here. We look weak and soft in midfield and defence. We can't hold on to a lead. Second time on the bounce, we've snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Can guarantee every single side in the Premier League looks forward to playing our toothless midfield.

09 Aug 2026 18:42:37
It is only pre-season, so need to keep this in perspective, but the thing that all the pre-season games have shown is that we are wide open in midfield every time we lose the ball.

It was the same all last season. We will struggle if we don't get a specialist defensive midfielder. It seems that everyone knows this, apart from the people who are able to do something about it.

09 Aug 2026 20:15:00
Just catching up. Has the old fella from Uruguay completed his loan? Only messsing, I think he will turn out decent. What's going on with Barcola? Is he signing?

09 Aug 2026 21:53:33
1985mikey1985, that is a choice people make. I just choose not to care too much about it that much.

Clearly, it seems our fitness levels need some work, which is exactly what these games are for and, with the WC, players are coming back in stages with various levels of fitness.



The way some people lose their minds is like they have never gone through a preseason and make it look like this is the first time they are experiencing the same thing they have been experiencing near every year prior. Again, losing one's mind over a damn preseason game is a choice.

09 Aug 2026 17:07:11
Another good 90 minute squad education for Andoni. If not previously, his voice will now be loud and clear in transfer discussions with the powers that be. It's obvious that several players need to be moved on, and a similar number will need to be purchased.

1st 30 minutes was just lovely to see, entertaining, intense, imaginative front foot football. Then somebody put a pin in the balloon; tiredness evidently caught up with a fair few. We still played ok ish for the remainder of the half, created a few more chances, but legs were getting fatigued and we started to allow Monaco areas to work in the last third.


A tired looking challenge by Virgil got them back in the game, and the way he defended their equaliser showed how far from fitness he is. That's a massive worry.

The young lad Ndukwe played fantastic. Hopefully he gets a good loan ready to push for a spot next season.
Koumas was very good up and back that right side. He looks fit and ready for a squad number.

I felt a bit sorry for Victor Munoz having to play the last half hour with all the changes, etc., but I liked the look of what I saw. He is rapid and can also get to the bye line and cross a ball.


YNWA

09 Aug 2026 18:14:16
Thanks, Mick.

09 Aug 2026 18:24:18
Virg has two full weeks now to get himself up to shape. The big man won't let us down.

09 Aug 2026 21:56:07
Mick, VVD not being fit is exactly what is supposed to happen. That is not a massive worry, as this was his first game back, hence he is clearly a bit ropey.

I didn't see the game, but your opinion on it chimes with others' assessments of the game, so I would agree with the rest of your comment.

09 Aug 2026 17:03:25
Thought Koumas and Ndukwe did well today. Enjoyed us pressing again, although left us a bit disjointed at times. Reminds me of early days under Klopp. Can see a few 4-3s this season whilst the team adapt to the new manager.

We obviously need some reinforcements, but at least it won’t be boring ala last season.

09 Aug 2026 17:56:03
I don't mind losing every week as long as we're playing exciting football... Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

09 Aug 2026 18:14:39
Yeah, but it was very hard to watch...

09 Aug 2026 18:16:53
Koumas was poor, the guy was just after a Hollywood moment all game. Good work rate and tracking back etc, but he just sees his name in lights every time he gets the ball with sight of goal.

He was lucky to be platformed by the first teamers in the first half, and as soon as they went off he completely disappeared. Ndukwe was exceptional yet again.

09 Aug 2026 18:25:56
Champions05192025, Think you're being a bit harsh. Of course he is gonna perform better with better players?

09 Aug 2026 19:55:56
Also, likely that he's been told to have some confidence and take the shot on if it's there for him.

09 Aug 2026 16:50:46
1st pre season game I've seen, 1st half played well, I thought v lively going forward. Grav + all 4 for front players looked v good. 2nd half faded badly, could see us getting leggy shortly into 2nd half and last 20mins we ragged.

I'd guess we a team still in quite heavy training which left us so leggy so early in 2nd half.
Wouldn't get carried away win r lose in pre season but 1st half quite encouraging.

09 Aug 2026 17:12:10
Agree, Digger. Iraola expects a lot of energy and fitness and we simply don't have it at the moment. It won't be there until 6/8 games in and so, I think, we have to expect a mixed start. In his first season at Bournmouth, they failed to win any of the first 8 matches.

09 Aug 2026 17:15:05
I think LFC will reach a solid flow in the second half of the season. I can see that happening.

09 Aug 2026 17:18:13
To be fair, Jari, he came in during the season at Bournemouth, so it's hard to suddenly implement changes and get results.
That's what pre-season is for, so I hope he'll have a better start here.

09 Aug 2026 17:42:37
If I'm being honest. I don't think this squad will finish anywhere near City and Arsenal.

09 Aug 2026 17:44:49
Missed the game, but genuine question: sounds like we changed a lot of players in the second half and looked maybe poor. Did Monaco change a lot of players in the second half also, and were their second string better than ours?

09 Aug 2026 17:18:19
It seems AI has inherited last season's 2-0 lead curse, Leeds last week and today, pre-season is all about getting minutes into the legs.
Cheer up sir Bob never won one pre-season friendly in the summer of 76, got beat 5-1 away at Aston Villa in the league in November 76, and still won his first European cup and his usual league title in 1977, it's how you finish the season not start it?

Bit of good news 9 new Premier League managers this season the highest ever, Andoni's first 6 PL fixtures are:

new manager versus new manager....

09 Aug 2026 22:02:22
007, you're doing too much here, as usual. It is preseason and players are at diff. levels of fitness and collectively, not fit enuff.

Preseason is there to fix all that and the games are there to test such levels. Hence, what were we supposed to do? Park the buss after going 2 goals up in a preseason game? To prove what? That AI hasn't ineritesd Slot's whatever? To win some dumb preseason game rather than implement his system? Seriously, it gets boring with you sometimes, real talk.

Again, you do way too much in your analysis which can be quite tedious to read at times because you seem to be too busy trying to drag people down rather than anything else.

09 Aug 2026 16:39:07
Once again today's game against Monaco highlighted what we probably all know - our first 11 to 13 players will hold their own against anyone, but the rest of the "squad" is severely lacking - lacking to the point I'll say they are simply not good enough.

09 Aug 2026 17:45:31
Agreed Guru.

09 Aug 2026 17:54:13
Yeap, Guru mate, outside of Mamardashvili, Nyoni, Rio and Kerkez that finished the game, the rest are simply not good enough. Add to that the relatively average performances from Tsimikas and Frimpong in the 1st half, and it just shows how light squad quality and depth is. Look, it's only a friendly, but if the likes of VVD, Dom or Isak get injured we are bang in trouble. Iraola has a lot of work to do, and he doesn't presently have the tools to do it.

We are at least 3 1st-team players short of where we need to be quality-wise, it's too much pressure and expectation for kids like Rio, Nyoni etc to be expected to solve. If we don't add quality to what we have we are gonna struggle big time this season. I hope I'm 100% wrong but there is nothing to show me in the preseason games so far that our squad is near good enough for a potentially 60+ game season.

09 Aug 2026 18:23:12
Mamardashvilli worries me. Alisson is a level above the other keepers. I hope Alisson stays injury free.

I would have Woodman in goal before Mamardashvilli.

09 Aug 2026 19:03:05
Yeap Spion Kop, mate, he's just an accident waiting to happen, distribution is poor at best! Woodman must be injured, didn't even make squad today. Jones must be on his way as didn't make squad either, or has he picked up a knock. 🤔🙄