Andoni Iraola pleased with Liverpool win over Como as Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo impress
Liverpool closed their 2026-27 pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como at Anfield, and Andoni Iraola’s reaction afterwards offered a clear indication of where the head coach believes progress has been made, and where more work is still required before the Premier League opener.
First-half goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet secured victory in L4, with Liverpool also having faced Como earlier in the day in a separate behind-closed-doors meeting that ended 0-0 at the AXA Training Centre. The result at Anfield capped a useful evening for Iraola, who saw encouraging signs in both boxes and welcomed the sight of his team ending preparations on a controlled note.
Iraola encouraged by Liverpool organisation
The manager’s immediate focus was on the value of finishing pre-season with a win and a clean sheet. He said, “I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game. Still, the first half has been better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start.”
That assessment felt significant. Liverpool were sharper before the interval, more fluid in possession and more secure in their structure. The second half brought a drop-off that Iraola did not ignore, but there was obvious satisfaction that the team stayed composed and avoided the kind of lapses that can undermine a summer performance.
Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo make strong impact
Two of the main talking points were the displays of Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo. Both were singled out by Iraola after making immediate impressions, with Jacquet especially catching the eye on his debut.
Photo: liverpoolfc.com
“Yes, both of them. I think Jeremy played really well. Also Ronald played really well when he came in. When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well. It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also. So, some good performances at the back.”
That will be particularly welcome given the importance of bedding in new players quickly. Jacquet’s goal added to an accomplished display, while Araujo’s introduction brought authority. Frimpong’s full outing at right-back also suggested growing trust in his role within Iraola’s system.
Liverpool fitness levels still building before Newcastle
There was also a practical edge to Iraola’s assessment of the squad’s condition. Pre-season often hinges on rhythm and resilience, and the head coach made it clear Liverpool are moving in the right direction physically.
“I think we are better than we were last week. Still, I hope next week we are better than we were today.” He added, “today a lot of players played 90 minutes, 80 minutes and they finished [with] no cramps, apparently nothing major. So, it’s keep building these fitness levels.”
Even so, the standard remains demanding. Iraola stressed that “especially second half – we need to be better”, underlining that sharper decision-making and sustained focus remain priorities heading into the opening fixture away at Newcastle United.
Adapting to new methods remains key focus
With a full training week ahead, the emphasis now turns to relationships on the pitch and adaptation to the tactical demands being introduced. Iraola said, “At the end, we need training, we need to train together.” He also pointed to the importance of players learning to “solve problems by themselves in the pitch”.
On the squad’s buy-in, his verdict was positive. “Yes, I think everyone understands. We need every player, every time, every minute, every action – and that’s the commitment.” He added, “I’m very happy with the attitude of the players. They are training really well.”
Liverpool now head into the final stretch before competitive action with momentum, greater clarity and a manager encouraged by the response. As Iraola put it, “we have things to improve but I’m very happy with their attitude, their willingness to be on the same page, and we will get there.”