Andoni Iraola launches Liverpool pre‑season as new head coach

Andoni Iraola, appointed to replace Arne Slot, oversaw his first training session with Liverpool FC at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, kick‑starting the club's pre‑season programme ahead of a July 14 start. A core group of players returning from injury or loan – including new £60 million centre‑back Jeremy Jacquet, Harvey Elliott, James McConnell and Stefan Bajectic – worked with Iraola and his freshly confirmed back‑room staff. Several squad members continued rehabilitation, notably Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, while the majority of the squad will reconvene next week with a staggered return for those who featured in the World Cup. Separately, former Liverpool star Thiago Alcântara has confirmed he cannot join Iraola’s staff despite expressing enthusiasm for a return to Anfield, and a Liverpool legend has also weighed in on the coaching set‑up.

The pre‑season will also showcase emerging talents such as 17‑year‑old Rio Ngumoha and teenager Josuha Abe, who has been allocated the number 40 shirt for the upcoming campaign.