Andoni Iraola’s first match in charge of Liverpool at Anfield ended in disappointment as the Reds surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Monaco in pre-season.
Liverpool appeared to be in control after Alexander Isak opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz played a key role in the second, with Isak eventually claiming the final touch.
However, Monaco fought back and used a penalty from Aleksandr Golovin to reduce the deficit before completing the comeback with a late winner from Paris Brunner.
The match also marked the return of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, who all made their first appearances since representing their countries at the 2026 World Cup.
Wirtz and Isak impress
Florian Wirtz was Liverpool’s standout performer,The German midfielder was heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking moves and consistently looked dangerous around the Monaco defence.
Isak also impressed as the striker showed good movement and composure for his first goal before getting the final touch on Liverpool’s second.
The performances will encourage Liverpool supporters ahead of the new campaign, particularly with Isak and Wirtz continuing to develop their attacking relationship.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe, the 18-year-old centre-back, also impressed however, he will be unable to play competitive football for Liverpool this season after failing to obtain a work permit.
Van Dijk returns but concedes penalty
Van Dijk was another of Liverpool’s returning World Cup players.
The captain demonstrated his importance to the side but was responsible for a costly moment when he conceded a penalty towards the end of the first half, allowing Monaco back into the contest.
Alisson, meanwhile, made several good saves on his return before being replaced at half-time by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool’s final pre-season test
The defeat leaves Liverpool with one more pre-season assignment before competitive football begins.
Iraola’s side will face Como at Anfield next Sunday at 5pm GMT with the clubs also scheduled to play a separate behind-closed-doors fixture earlier that day at 11pm GMT
For Iraola, the Monaco defeat provides another opportunity to assess his squad, while the performances of Isak and Wirtz offer plenty of encouragement despite the late collapse.
