Andoni Iraola has warned Liverpool that there is still plenty of work to do despite ending their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Como.
The result gave the Reds an important confidence boost ahead of the new campaign, particularly after concerns over their fitness and ability to maintain their intensity for 90 minutes.
However, Iraola was not prepared to look beyond the areas that still need improvement.
The Liverpool boss admitted the first half was stronger than the second, but praised his players for maintaining their organisation and securing a clean sheet.
“We needed this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet and winning the game. Still, the first half has been better than the second but at least we kept our organisation and our composure,” said Iraola to LFC TV.
“We found a way to finish with a clean sheet. I think we needed this feeling before we started.”
The manager believes Liverpool have already made progress compared with their previous outing, but insists that progress must continue.
“I think we are better than we were last week. I hope next week we are better than we were today.
“You can say the first half is still better than the second half, but today a lot of players played 90 minutes and they finished with no cramps.
“I think it’s an improvement, but still, especially in the second half, we need to be better.”
For Iraola, improvement will not come from one player or one department.
The Liverpool manager wants every member of the squad to maintain concentration and intensity throughout every phase of the game.
“We need every player, every time, every minute, every action and that’s the commitment. I’m very happy with the attitude of the players.
“They are training really well. I am asking them to do things that are a little bit different, especially without the ball and I think they are trying to get it.
“We are not perfect. 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.”
That willingness to adapt could prove crucial as Liverpool prepare for the demands of the new season.
Iraola has introduced different expectations, particularly when his team are without possession, and the players appear increasingly comfortable with those demands.
There were also encouraging individual performances at the back.
Iraola singled out Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Jeremie Frimpong after Liverpool kept Como scoreless.
Jacquet’s display was particularly encouraging as he continues to establish himself within the defensive setup.
“I think Jeremy played really well, also Ronald played really well when he came in.
“Also, a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, also playing 90 minutes as a right-back helping us offensively but closing very well his side also, so, some good performances at the back.”
The 2-0 victory provides Liverpool with a positive platform heading into the competitive campaign, but Iraola’s message is clear: winning is only part of the process.
Fitness has improved, defensive organisation is beginning to take shape and players are adapting to the manager’s tactical demands.
Yet the second half against Como showed there is still another level for Liverpool to reach.
With the season now approaching, Iraola will expect his players to turn the lessons from pre-season into sharper performances when the points begin to matter.
The clean sheet was welcome. The victory was important. But for Iraola, Liverpool’s real test starts now.
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