Como double-header a test before Premier League season: Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that the Reds' forthcoming double-header against Como will serve as a crucial examination ahead of the Premier League campaign's opening fixtures. Iraola, who took charge at Anfield last summer, has used pre-season friendlies to assess squad depth and tactical cohesion, with Como offering meaningful opposition before competitive action resumes. Liverpool finished third in the Premier League last season with 82 points, making early preparation vital for challenging Manchester City and Arsenal.

The back-to-back encounters against the Italian Serie A side represent an opportunity for Iraola to evaluate fringe players and test formations outside the intensity of domestic league play. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, secured promotion to Serie A after winning Serie B, meaning the Merseysiders face an opponent with genuine European pedigree and tactical structure. Liverpool's squad rotation during pre-season typically reveals which players will feature prominently when the Premier League restarts, with last season's standout performers like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk requiring careful management.

Successful preparation translates directly into early-season momentum, particularly for a side aiming to reclaim the title after Manchester City's dominance. Iraola's predecessors emphasised the importance of pre-season fixtures in building understanding amongst players competing for starting berths—Liverpool made 14 significant changes between matches during their 2023 summer tour. The Como tests will clarify squad readiness before Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture, where consistency and sharpness prove decisive in the title race's opening weeks.