Bangkok: Five pressing issues demand immediate attention for Liverpool and their new manager, Andoni Iraola, as they prepare for the upcoming season. Despite a promising first half, their recent pre-season friendly defeat has exposed ongoing vulnerabilities that need resolving in both defense and attack.
According to Thai News Agency, the match highlighted significant concerns, particularly in set-piece defense. Conceding two goals from Ethan Ampadu's long throw-ins underscored persistent defensive weaknesses, especially in handling loose balls within the penalty area. With a record of 20 goals conceded from set pieces last season, Iraola's priority is to improve positioning and ball possession.
Another critical issue is the instability in the full-back position. An individual error by Milos Krkez allowed Leeds to capitalize and get back into the game. This incident reflects recurring problems of concentration and adaptation among the full-backs, which have historically cost the team dearly. Defensive discipline and focus are essential moving forward.
The team's over-reliance on key players in the attack was evident when Liverpool's offensive dynamism faded after substitutions. Players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak made a significant impact in the first half, but their absence in the second half led to a lack of scoring opportunities, underlining the need for depth and effectiveness from the squad's second-string players.
On a positive note, there were encouraging signs from new and rising talents. Florian Wirtz quickly adapted during the first half, while young midfielder Trey Neoni impressed by controlling the tempo and demonstrating potential competition for Ryan Grafenberg's position in the team.
However, injuries continue to plague Liverpool, affecting both defense and attack, and limiting rotation options. With only three weeks until the Premier League opener, Iraola faces the challenge of fine-tuning tactics, restoring player fitness, and establishing a cohesive team strategy under tight time constraints.