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Iraola's comments raise fitness concerns for Liverpool ahead of season opener

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 8:20 AM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Iraola's comments raise fitness concerns for Liverpool ahead of season opener

Summary

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed concerns over his squad's fitness after a 3-2 loss to Monaco on August 6, marking the team's second consecutive defeat. With the Premier League season set to begin against Newcastle on August 23, Iraola noted that his side struggled to maintain performance levels beyond the first 30 minutes of play. Key players are still regaining full fitness, while some, including Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, remain out for extended periods. Iraola indicated significant improvements are necessary to play the style he desires and aims to expedite the team's adaptation.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports BBC Sport BBC News

By the Numbers

•Iraola identified fitness issues after losing to Monaco on August 6.
•Liverpool opens the Premier League against Newcastle on August 23.
•Several players are returning from injury or still regaining fitness.
•Iraola made numerous substitutions during friendlies, altering team dynamics.
•Skipper Virgil van Dijk emphasized the need for quality additions in the squad.

Latest Updates

8:20 AMYahoo Sports — Should Liverpool fans be worried by Iraola's fitness comments?
2:56 PMYahoo Sports — Should Liverpool fans be worried about Iraola's fitness comments?
2:54 PMBBC Sport — Should Liverpool fans be worried about Iraola's fitness comments?
2:54 PMBBC News — Should Liverpool fans be worried about Iraola's fitness comments? - BBC

What they're saying

"
On Sunday at Anfield against Monaco, Andoni Iraola was very honest after their 3-2 defeat. Two weeks out from the start of the Premier League campaign, Iraola's verdict was that his side had "work to do" because they could not sustain the level that he wanted for the duration of a game. Iraola said that his side played a good first 30 minutes but "they don't have much more, in terms of the levels required to play like this".
— Yahoo Sports