Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool suffered a 3-2 friendly defeat against Monaco at Anfield on Sunday after letting slip a two-goal advantage
- New manager Andoni Iraola handed a Liverpool debut to Victor Munoz and made a complete set of 11 substitutions at half-time
- Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo made their first appearances since the World Cup in the match against Monaco
Match Summary
Andoni Iraola’s maiden home fixture in charge of Liverpool culminated in a 3-2 loss to Monaco, as the Reds once again surrendered a two-goal lead during Sunday’s friendly. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz struck first to put Liverpool firmly in control, mirroring their strong start in the previous week’s defeat to Leeds in Chicago. Despite the promising opening, Liverpool’s defensive frailties re-emerged, as Aleksandr Golovin converted from the penalty spot and Mika Biereth restored parity for the visiting side. Paris Brunner then sealed Monaco’s victory with a late header.
Thank you for your support this afternoon 👏 pic.twitter.com/iPUBfIXeS7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 9, 2026
Team Selection and Player Debuts
For his second fixture in charge, Iraola opted for wholesale changes at half-time, replacing all 11 players on the pitch. Among the fresh faces was new arrival Victor Munoz, who featured for the first time in Liverpool colours. The match also marked the return of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo, each taking the field for the first time since the World Cup.
Iraola’s Post-Match Reflections
The Liverpool manager offered a candid assessment after the final whistle, stating: “I think (this was) quite similar to the game we played against Leeds,” said 44-year-old Spaniard Iraola.
“I think we played really good (in the) first half, especially the first 30 minutes, but right now probably we don’t have much more in terms of the level required to play like this.
“Then they (Monaco) were much better in the second half, in the same way we were better in the first half, they were much better in the second half, and they deserved to turn around the game, yes.”
Commenting on the returning players, Iraola noted: “I think they were in different levels but mostly they were in a good place,” and added: “I think the ones that it was their first game, or even the ones that it was their second game, they had energy.”
“The problem is right now probably they don’t have the energy for 90 minutes and they start to get tired.
“It will take time with them, we need more training with them. But we can take a lot of positives, but also a lot of negatives from today.”
Looking Ahead
Liverpool will next take to the pitch in their Premier League opener away to Newcastle on August 23, as Iraola aims for an improved outcome in competitive action.
