Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign this weekend under new manager Andoni Iraola, facing major squad questions despite harbouring ambitions to challenge for the title.
The Anfield club won the league during a supposed transition period under a new manager two years ago, but the upcoming season depends on several key players returning to form and new signings adapting quickly.
Forward Alexander Isak must put a forgetful first year behind him following his £125million move from Newcastle United, where the striker scored regularly and provided assists. In midfield, £116million signing Florian Wirtz needs to adapt to the physical demands of English football and establish his ideal role to create more chances.
Liverpool are also seeking a replacement for Mohamed Salah, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola standing as their top target while the two clubs remain in dialogue over finding a financial middle ground. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are looking to regain their 2024-25 form following walking football performances at times last season.
Defensive concerns from the end of the Arne Slot era also remain to be resolved, with 35-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk preparing to partner either 21-year-old newcomer Jeremy Jacquet or Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo. Goalkeeper Alisson missed 18 league or European matches due to injury last term, while full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong aim for greater consistency as the team seeks to make Anfield a fortress again and challenge title rivals Arsenal.
Tactical changes and pre-season progress
Iraola replaces Arne Slot after club executives decided to part ways with the former manager following supporter discontent over dull playing styles. The Basque coach brings a high-octane tactical approach featuring fast, one-touch attacks and relentless pressing off the ball reminiscent of former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The new manager has vowed to use youth players in his setup. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni is pushing for first-team minutes alongside Gravenberch and Mac Allister ahead of the pending exit of Curtis Jones. Iraola has also committed to immersing himself in the city to build a direct connection with Liverpool supporters.
Fitness improvements have already aided Isak, who missed significant time last season but has looked sharp during pre-season fixtures. Iraola plans to pair Isak with Wirtz in an attacking tandem, positioning the German midfielder close to Isak almost as a second striker, akin to how Iraola aligned Eli Junior Kroupi and Evanilson together at Bournemouth last term.
Pre-season training and squad fitness
Pre-season preparation focused heavily on physical conditioning during the team's tour of America, where intensity became the central buzzword. Iraola initially complained that his team could only run for 30 minutes, prompting an intensive training programme.
The squad underwent a gruelling welcome-back programme full of double sessions that left players lying down exhausted at the end of drills, with some complaining of feeling sick. Hungary skipper Dominik Szoboszlai raved that "the intensity we missed is now back."
Szoboszlai has stepped up as a leader and potential future captain while also reigning as king of the card game UNO on the US tour. Iraola gives equal time and effort to rookie teenagers as his star names, taking a shine to youngsters James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Luke Chambers. All three had been shoo-ins for loans this summer, but their chances of staying with the squad have increased.
Liverpool won three of their five pre-season friendlies, concluding their schedule with a 2-0 victory against Cesc Fabregas's Como in their most complete performance on and off the ball. However, Iraola lost six and drew three of his first nine league games at Bournemouth and has experienced poor starts at most of his previous clubs, making an inconsistent first month or two possible.
Managerial appointment and player development
The decision to dismiss Slot was still deemed unlikely as of the final week of last season. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who is almost certain to leave Liverpool this year, knew Iraola was available after the pair worked together at Bournemouth.
Hughes asked Iraola to hold fire on approaches from AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace. Iraola met Liverpool staff in London during the same week he gave a detailed handover to incoming Bournemouth boss Marco Rose before signing his contract.
Liverpool were particularly impressed by Iraola's ability to improve players. At Bournemouth, squad player Antoine Semenyo developed into a major asset whom Liverpool attempted to sign a year ago before his move to Manchester City, alongside improvements in Dominic Solanke, Justin Kluivert and several young players.
Bournemouth also saw players depart for major clubs over the past 12 months, including Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, and Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, none of whom were well-known before working under Iraola.
Transfer window targets and squad depth
Work remains for Liverpool's recruitment team ahead of the transfer deadline at 11pm on September 1. The club initially made a bid of around £86million for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, but the German club rejected the offer and sold the Ivorian to Real Madrid for around £120million, leading Liverpool to pivot to long-term target Barcola.
Liverpool's transfer window has progressed slowly, with additions limited to £34.5million winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Araujo on loan. Munoz arrives as a replacement following Mohamed Salah's departure from the club.
In defence, Araujo plugs a gap and offers versatility across the back four, while 21-year-old Jacquet and 19-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni provide depth. Frimpong has been quietly impressive after keeping a low profile, while Kerkez has been a standout force down the left flank reunited with his former manager.
In midfield, Curtis Jones is about to leave after playing over 2,000 minutes last term, placing significant expectations on 19-year-old Nyoni following his promotion. In attack, Hugo Ekitike remains injured for some time, requiring greater contributions from Cody Gakpo and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
With key departures including Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Jones, Liverpool appear weaker than the squad Slot left behind as Iraola begins his era this weekend.
