Liverpool Prepares for New Season Under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola moved up a gear at the AXA Training Centre, with a full-throttle session that mixed fresh faces, returning fitness, and a reminder that the Premier League countdown is very real.

Two friendlies. Eleven days. Then St James’ Park.

That’s the runway Iraola is working with before Liverpool open the 2026/27 season away at Newcastle, and the work on the grass is starting to look serious.

Araujo steps straight in

All eyes inevitably went to Ronald Araujo.

Liverpool’s new centre-back, only just through the door from Barcelona, was straight into the thick of it. Having already gone through pre-season with the Catalan club, he arrived with a sharpness that most new signings can only envy.

He trained fully, moved with authority, and looked every bit the experienced defender Liverpool have bought. The expectation is clear: Araujo should make his unofficial debut in one of the two upcoming friendlies against Como at Anfield, most likely alongside Virgil van Dijk. If that goes to plan, he is in strong contention to start the Premier League opener a week later.

He is still learning his surroundings, the voices, the pressing triggers. But this is not a project player. Iraola needs him ready now, and Araujo looks capable of slotting in quickly — exactly what the new head coach needs with the season closing in.

Jacquet edges towards action

On another pitch, another central defender quietly took an important step.

Jeremy Jacquet, who has yet to feature in any of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures, was back out on the grass and involved in the session. For Iraola, that is a significant boost to his defensive options.

The Spaniard said last weekend that the Frenchman could be involved against Como, and that remains the clear target. Jacquet had been close to returning during the US tour but didn’t quite make it; this time, the timing looks better.

Not everyone is there yet. Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic watched on from exercise bikes at the side of the session, still working through their own rehabilitation. Their comebacks are expected to take a few more weeks, a reminder that Iraola’s “full squad” is not quite complete.

Mac Allister back, Jones returns

Higher up the pitch, there was another important face back in the mix.

Alexis Mac Allister has now returned from his post-World Cup holiday and is available to Iraola as he shapes his midfield. With only two friendlies left, every session counts for the Argentine as he tunes up for another demanding campaign.

Curtis Jones was also back out there after missing the Anfield defeat to AS Monaco with a minor issue. His involvement here puts him in line to feature at the weekend against Como, a timely boost given the uncertainty around his future.

Inter Milan remain interested in the 25-year-old, but the Serie A side have yet to submit an offer Liverpool consider acceptable. Iraola has been clear: he wants Jones to stay. The complication is the clock. The midfielder’s contract runs out next summer, and the longer the situation drags on, the louder the questions become.

Work to do, time running out

Beyond individual stories, the session underlined the broader picture: Liverpool still have work to do, both on the training pitch and in the transfer market.

Iraola now has almost everyone available, aside from the injured group, and these next two weeks are crucial. The tactical detail, the pressing structure, the partnerships — especially at centre-back with Araujo and Van Dijk — all need to be sharpened before the intensity ramps up.

Liverpool are not alone in feeling slightly unfinished. Across the league, squads remain in flux and even Manchester City have changed managers. Stability is a luxury few enjoy right now.

For Iraola, the challenge is clear. He must squeeze every drop out of these full training weeks before the calendar tightens. Once the first international break passes, Liverpool face the familiar grind of two games a week.

By then, there will be no hiding place. The work being done now at the AXA Training Centre will decide how ready this team really is when the lights go up at St James’ Park.