In Andoni Iraola's inaugural match at the helm of Liverpool, the home side squandered a comfortable two‑goal lead and ultimately fell 3-2 to Monaco in a pre‑season friendly at Anfield. The early stages of the game suggested a dominant performance from the Reds, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz orchestrating attacks that put Liverpool firmly in control. However, the pattern that had emerged in the previous pre‑season encounter against Leeds – where Liverpool also built a two‑goal cushion only to see it evaporate in a 4-2 loss – repeated itself, and the hosts were unable to sustain their momentum.
The opening goal arrived in the 16th minute when Isak, fed by a clever one‑two between Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, found space on the edge of the box and slipped the ball into the bottom corner. The strike was a testament to the Swedish forward's poise and finishing ability, and it seemed to set the tone for what could have been a straightforward victory. Liverpool continued to press, and a chaotic scramble in the six‑yard area in the 29th minute saw Florian Wirtz poke the ball home after a loose ball fell to him inside the penalty area.
At that point, the scoreline read 2-0 in favour of the home side, and optimism ran high among the Anfield faithful. Monaco, however, responded with resilience.
Aleksandr Golovin earned a penalty after charging into the box and drawing a foul on Virgil van Dijk. The spot‑kick was calmly dispatched by Golovin, who sent the ball high into the net, cutting Liverpool's lead to one. Shortly thereafter, Mika Biereth capitalised on a rebound and slotted the ball past Alisson, leveling the match at 2-2. The French‑born striker's goal demonstrated his growing confidence and hinted at the depth of Monaco's attacking options.
The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Paris Brunner rose above the Liverpool defence to head in a well‑delivered corner, giving Monaco a 3-2 lead. The late winner was a bitter pill for the Reds, who had been unable to maintain their early dominance. Throughout the second half, Iraola used the fixture as an opportunity to experiment, making eleven changes to his starting XI and introducing new signing Victor Muñoz as a substitute, much to the delight of the crowd who gave him a warm reception.
Several of Liverpool's World Cup veterans returned to action, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson featuring in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Monaco's captain Eric Dier led his side, though notable absences included Paul Pogba and Takumi Minamino, who were not part of the squad.
The match also highlighted the managerial priorities of Iraola, who appeared more focused on assessing squad depth, fitness levels, and tactical variations than on the result itself. Key moments of the game were captured in a series of highlights: a spectacular save by Liverpool's goalkeeper Hradecky, who dived low to deny Wirtz; a brilliant goal by Isak that showcased his movement and finishing; and a series of defensive interventions that kept the scoreline close until Monaco's late surge. The match also featured a noteworthy penalty conversion by Golovin, a crucial goal by Biereth, and a dramatic header by Brunner that sealed the comeback. Post‑match, Iraola reflected on the performance, drawing parallels with the earlier Leeds friendly.
He acknowledged that Liverpool had displayed a strong first half but lacked the stamina and consistency required to see the game through the full 90 minutes. "We played a good first half but we don't have much more in terms of the level required to play like this," he said. "They were much better in the second half and they deserved to turn the game around.
The senior players were at different levels, but overall they were in a good place. Even the ones playing their first or second game had energy, but they got tired and that will take time to resolve." Iraola also discussed squad availability for the upcoming friendly against Como, expressing optimism about new signing Jeremy Jacquet and midfielder Curtis Jones.
He noted that Jacquet had missed the Monaco game to allow extra preparation time, while Jones was dealing with a minor hip issue that did not warrant risking further injury. Veteran defender Virgil van Dijk, who made his first appearance under Iraola, spoke positively about the transition. He highlighted the open communication with the new manager and emphasized his commitment to supporting Iraola's vision.
"It's been absolutely fine," van Dijk said. "We had a great conversation in the first week when he was announced.
I'm here for him regardless of what he needs for the team. Hopefully we'll be successful this season." Florian Wirtz, the German midfielder who contributed to Liverpool's early dominance, also praised Iraola's influence, recalling the manager's successful stint at Bournemouth and expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration ahead. Looking ahead, Liverpool's pre‑season itinerary remains packed.
After the Monaco defeat, the Reds will host Como at Anfield on August 16, followed by a series of high‑profile friendlies across the globe, including matches in Nashville, New York, and Chicago. These fixtures provide valuable opportunities for the squad to build cohesion, test tactical ideas, and improve fitness levels before the Premier League campaign begins.
In summary, the Anfield friendly against Monaco served as a learning experience for Andoni Iraola and his Liverpool squad. While the early goals suggested a comfortable victory, the inability to maintain intensity, coupled with strategic substitutions and experimental line‑ups, resulted in a 3-2 loss. The match highlighted areas for improvement—particularly stamina, defensive organization, and game management—while also offering promising signs from new signings and returning World Cup players. As the pre‑season progresses, Liverpool will aim to translate these lessons into a more consistent and resilient performance in the upcoming competitive season.