Liverpool's pre-season under Andoni Iraola is ramping up - and here is what we learned from the first open training

Liverpool's pre-season preparations have officially commenced under new manager Andoni Iraola, with the club's first open training session providing valuable insights into the tactical direction of the Merseyside outfit. The Spanish tactician, who previously managed Bournemouth and led them to a respectable ninth-place finish in the Premier League, is implementing his distinctive pressing system with the Liverpool squad. The open session revealed a squad focused on high-intensity drills and possession-based work, setting the tone for what promises to be a demanding pre-season campaign ahead of the new domestic season.

Iraola's appointment marks a significant moment for Liverpool, as the club seeks to rebuild following recent years of inconsistency in the Premier League title race. The former Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad manager brings a reputation for developing structured defensive units and progressive football philosophies. During the training session, players demonstrated improved coordination in Iraola's 4-2-3-1 formation, with particular emphasis on building from the back and quick transitional play. This tactical framework differs from Liverpool's previous approach, signaling a fresh strategic direction that the coaching staff aims to instill throughout the squad ahead of competitive fixtures.

The intensity observed during the session suggests Liverpool's players are embracing Iraola's demanding methodology, with veterans and younger talent alike engaging fully in the progressive drills and small-sided games. The manager's emphasis on pressing triggers and ball recovery suggests the Reds will maintain their characteristic aggression while implementing improved structure defensively. As Liverpool prepares for crucial European and domestic competitions, including their pursuit of a Premier League challenge, the foundation laid in these early pre-season weeks will prove instrumental in determining the club's competitive capacity throughout the campaign.