Andoni Iraola's Liverpool launches US pre‑season tour, displays intense pressing

Liverpool Football Club began its 2024‑25 pre‑season under new manager Andoni Iraola with a three‑match tour of the United States. The side recorded victories over Sunderland and Wrexham before a 4‑2 defeat to Leeds United. According to The Guardian, the trip’s primary purpose was to let Iraola start installing his high‑press, aggressive style and assess which players can execute it.

The matches showed flashes of the intended intensity – Liverpool pressed high, won balls near the opposition area and created quick attacks – but also highlighted shortcomings. After substitutions the team’s intensity fell, defensive lapses re‑emerged on set pieces, and concentration dropped at key moments, underscoring that the squad is still not fully equipped for Iraola’s demands.